If I go into hospice as a 2 yr RN will it limit me?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Published  

 I have been a nurse for about two years and am considering a new job as a hospice nurse. My background is in endoscopy and telemetry. I am thinking of going for hospice as my current job may somewhat cut hours indefinitely as one of our doctors left. However, I am worried I may lose skills in hospice and be less marketable as it moves me further away from patient care. Do you think going into hospice so early in my nursing career is a good move considering my current job instability? Thank you

Share this post

+ Add A Comment
Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

That's a great question! Moving to hospice could affect your ability to get back into acute care. Think long and hard about leaving acute care. After being out for over a year, and definitely, at two years, you are no longer as marketable.

Here are some factors to consider:

Skill Retention and Marketability

  • Hospice nursing skills. Hospice nursing focuses on palliative care, symptom management, and emotional support, which differ from the acute care skills used in endoscopy and telemetry. While you may gain valuable experience in end-of-life care, you might not use certain technical skills regularly.
  • Marketability. Specializing in hospice early could make it more challenging to return to acute care settings later, as those settings often require recent experience in fast-paced environments. However, hospice care is a growing field with a strong demand for compassionate nurses who can provide job security and satisfaction.

Career Goals

  • Long-Term interests. Consider whether hospice aligns with your long-term career goals. If you're passionate about palliative care and feel drawn to supporting patients and families at the end of life, hospice could be a fulfilling choice.
  • Flexibility. If you aim to maintain versatility in your career and keep doors open for various nursing opportunities, you might want to explore ways to stay connected to acute care, such as per diem shifts in your current specialty.

Job Stability and Satisfaction

  • Current job instability. If your current job is at risk of reduced hours, transitioning to a stable hospice position might provide more security. However, make sure you're comfortable with the potential trade-offs in skill retention.
  • Personal fulfillment. Hospice nursing can be emotionally rewarding, offering deep connections with patients and families. Reflect on whether this aspect of care appeals to you and aligns with your values as a nurse.

Exploring Options

  • Shadowing. Before deciding, consider shadowing a hospice nurse to get a firsthand sense of the role and whether it resonates with you.
  • Temporary or per diem work. If possible, explore per diem or part-time hospice work initially. This approach could allow you to test the waters without fully committing and maintain some connection to your current specialty.

Conclusion

Going into hospice nursing early in your career can be rewarding, especially if you're drawn to palliative care. However, it will impact your ability to transition back to acute care settings easily in the future. Weigh the pros and cons based on your long-term career goals, current job stability, and personal interests in hospice care. If you're uncertain, consider exploring hospice work on a part-time or per diem basis before fully transitioning.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

+ Add a Comment