I am starting with Hospice!

sunnygirl272 · Nov 15, 2002

hip-hip hooray!!!!

good luck...you will learn alot...but you will find it is one th eof the most rewarding nursing specialties...

aimeee, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2002

Woo-hoo! That is wonderful! Congratulations! I know you will find it a tremendous growth experience.

renerian, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2002

Good for you! I have been a hospice volunteer for over 10 years!

renerian

DACCKN · Nov 17, 2002

FANTASTIC!!! I KNOW I'M AT THE PERFECT PLACE, KNOW HOW? WHEN I GET TO THAT POINT, I HAVE COMPLETE FAITH AND TRUST IN MY CO-WORKERS, AND THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF ME :}, OR ANYONE OF MY FAMILY.

NOW THAT IS QUITE A STATEMENT ABOUT YOUR PLACE OF WORK HUH?

CONGRATS CARGAL.

DACCKN

cargal · Nov 17, 2002

Thanks everyone, I am excited. I was unsure if I wanted to drive and get in and out of my car, but I thought I would pack some healthy snacks and some great music. I love my residents in LTC, but found the staffing ratios antiquated and saw way too many residents that should have been hospice, not only for pain, etc, but for family support. Wish me luck.

Allnurses Rock!

Blessings,

Lucy RN · Nov 18, 2002

Good luck Carrie! I have found that this is the most rewarding nursing that I have ever done. I had some fears at first because everything was so new but once you learn the ropes, it will feel great. Your patients will be lucky to have you!!

Woodchuck · Jan 8, 2003

Carrie,

Congratualtions! I'm debating switching over to hospice from med-surg. From most sources the specialty seems to promote good and consistent staff morale, which I think is so essential to enduring job satisfaction. Please keep us posted on how you're enjoying your new position.

cargal · Jan 8, 2003

Funny woodchuck,

I was just perusing this forum today. I love the hospice position. The pay isn't great, but it sure beats hating to go to work. I love the other nurses and the support staff and I love being able to help the patients, even in this time of the end of their life. It is still to early in my hospice career, so I haven't seen alot of younger people die yet, and I'm sure that will be tough,

Right now, my biggest challenge is arriving a the homes of the dying patient and supporting the family, even if I never met them before: if I am on call and there is a death, I go, or , as per diem, I fill in for the other nurses and may not have met a family then go to the death. So, not having a previous relationship with the family is tough, but you just kinda wing it and give support and positive feedback on the care that they gave. So far, I really love it.

Thanks for asking woodchuck!

majrn · Jan 8, 2003

I am so jealous, I too would like to pursue hospice nursing, I have been med/surg/onc nurse for 14 yrs. I would prefer though to do inpt hospice. Our unit does some inpt hospice so I've had a taste but think I would like to do only inpt hospice without the other mixed in. Cant change now for family reasons but would like to someday. Good luck Carrie!

Genista, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2003

Carrie-

Just checking in. How are things going with your new job (by now it's been a few months). I hope it's still going great!

Scavenger'sWife, RN · Apr 9, 2003

I love Hospice, too! As Home Health, I occasionally get Hospice and I have worked Hospice in the past. It is a wonderful job and so special! Hope you are still enjoying it! God Bless you!