I accepted hospice position.

JudithLane · Dec 29, 2005

Thanks, Andy! The Dir. of the Nrsg. Prog. is strongly encouraging me toward the RN tract. I live in AL and will investigate positions here.....but I am feeling the need for advice from nurses. Thank you very much for your response.

doodlemom · Dec 29, 2005

Hello everyone. Im in my second week and things are going well. My pt load is very small right now and that is making it easier for me to comprehend everything. Thanks for the encourgaement and advice. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on and visiting this site as often as I can. Ive already discovered that the transition from curing to comfort is going to be a difficult one but one that I welcome. Another thing that is really confusing, how do you keep up with everyone's meds and making sure they dont run out. Right now Im using a calender for each pt and updating it with each visit. There is so much to learn! But, right now I love it.

At every visit I look at the medicine bottles and do a count. Our hospice only fills for 2 weeks at a time. If they don't have at least enough to get them well past my next visit then I order for them. Also, when we request narcotic prescriptions we always ask for a very large amount and get partial fills so that we have "refills."

doodlemom · Dec 29, 2005

I have a 28-year career history in psychiatric social work, including private practice psychotherapy. I am completing my pre-reqs and entering nursing school in fall 2006. I am accepted for both the PN and RN programs. My problem: I want to complete the PN program because it will take only one year. But I want to work in Hospice Care. Are challenging/good positions available in Hospice Care for LPNs----or should I go for my RN? I truly need some advice, please. Thanks.

I agree with andyg. We use LVN's, but only for prn work and at our inpatient facility. The salary difference is worth the extra time and energy. I hear from a lot of LVN's that they wish they had an RN license.

maryalice5 · Dec 29, 2005

I am glad to hear all is going well! 2 weeks seems a short time, but I bet you have learned a lot! I am still in my cardiac job, and am looking forward to the end of January when I will go out with the hospice nurses to get a feel for it. Then, I expect to jump on board! I will be asking you for advice then!!! I say thanks to all who have responded to me and have given advice, and reference for books, etc. Isn't this a great website?!

Muzicone · Dec 30, 2005

I am an LPN and work in Hospice three years now. Very rewarding. My company uses LPNs for visits and get us on a schedule so we see pretty much the same patients all the time. I like that. I also went back to school while working with my company and graduated November for my RN. I will take boards soon. The cool thing is my company paid for it all. And they will promote me to case manager and I continue my years of service and benefits.

ray2512 · Dec 30, 2005

I always check all there bottles each visit and order the meds from the clients house. That way they can see that you have ordered them and wont worry about it. A weekly pill box may help the patient as well as you in keeping track of the meds. Good Luck and have fun, clients need humor!

ray2512 · Dec 30, 2005

Why don't you just stay in social work? Each client in hospice is assigned a social worker, your experience there would be great. If you decide to complete your nursing education, get a BSN. That, I think is a better education to know how the systems work together, quite important in hospice. The other thing to remember that each patient have a social worker already, they don't need a social worky nurse, that can get you in trouble with the rest of the team if you don't keep your boundaries.

Good Luck!

itsybitsyrn · Dec 30, 2005

I've been working with Hospice for almost 5 years. The way I keep up a patients medication is check the bottles each visit. I have my patients put all their medications together in a box or container of some type. They know when I come I need to see it all and just get it out for me to check. If I reorder a medication, I initial the label and date it. If I need a new order, I write it on a sticky note and attach it to my nursing note. That's what I do anyway. Everyone has to find the way that works best for them. Congratulations on your new job and welcome to Hospice. It is one of the most rewarding jobs you'll have. Being sensitive will help you do a better job, because you'll be more in tune with what your patients and their families need and feel, even when they aren't sure how to express it. Good Luck!

Muzicone · Dec 31, 2005

I also check meds every visit. When I refill a med I write the RX number and name on my nursing note.

Al Stephens · Dec 31, 2005

great, and welcome aboard one of the most rewarding, and most tearjerking areas of nursing. It is hard work on your heart, but in the end, when the family looks at you and says thank you. you know you gave their loved one your best. And when you see your name in the paper, you want to cry, and say, "I didnt do much, Just kept them comfortable...".

welcome....

mom and nurse · Jan 2, 2006

I accepted the Hospice position and will start full time next week. Im very nervous but excited about it. Anyone have any advice about what I should be doing to prepare for this position? Im anxious about the pain managment aspect, will this be difficult for me to learn. What kind of things can I read that will help me to be a better hospice nurse? Thanks for any info that anyone can share.

Hi, I'm reading the book SUNSETS by Deborah Howard, RN, CHPN. It's an easy read and though I am not a hospice nurse, I find it a moving portrayal of what hospice nurses and their patients experience from the time the patient realizes they are dying to the time they die.... (She goes through the stages of grief using case studies). You could probably find it online at a google search. :)

mom and nurse