I'm thinking about volunteering for hospice?

sassynurse78 · May 11, 2005

I really understand. I work in geriatrics and sometimes wonder if this is why I do. My brother spent some time in a childrens hospital and it tore my heart out to go in and see the sick children. There were so many of them still smiling and laughing which made me feel happy, but my heart sank when I would see one that did not look like they were going to make it. I have found that although we all have issues with death and dying that in my heart I am more accepting of it when the person has had a full life or are in pain. I myself admire hospice care and would not see it as a bad idea to volunter. However I do not think that it would make it any easier for me to accept the death of young people.

Blackcat99 · May 11, 2005

That's wonderful that you are thinking about volunteering for hospice. I work in hospice and the volunteers at hospice are terrific!!! Yes it's sad when people die. The majority of people dying at my hospice are age 60 or older. Yes I think volunteering in hospice would be a great learning experience for you. Best of luck :balloons: :)

Nesher, BSN, RN · May 11, 2005

As part of my graduate fieldwork into oncology nurse grief I sat in on a local hospices 2 day training program. I don't know if all hospice programs are as advanced as this one was, but it was impressive - It think it would be a wonderful addition to your background as a nurse and perhaps would help in learning to live with people who are dying. I'm afriad the reality in nursing is that the grief nurses experience isn't recognized nor looked upon as important. Good luck to you.

rosemadder · May 12, 2005

I am a student nurse. This fall I will be starting my first semester of clinical. I can handle pretty much anything. I want to work in peds. but I'm not sure if I will be able to handle seeing children and babies die. Don't get me wrong, it's hard for me to see anyone die but it is really hard to see children die. Do you know what I mean? A nurse I work with suggested me to volunteer for Hospice. This way I can try to give something to the dear people who are at the end of their road and find a way with in myself to deal with death. I am a very spiritual person. Not religious, but spiritual. I know that death is part of life. However, to me I find it difficult to understand why a child is taken when they haven't even had a chance to live. I have two young sons, and I could not imagine what I would do if I ever lost either one of them. If anyone of you could give me some advice, I would greatly appreciate it. I love nursing and everything to do with nursing. I just need to find a way to deal with this part of it. Thanks!
Jennifer

I admire your motivation and think volunteering is a great idea...however, first semester clinicals I remember were not only time consuming but very stressful!!! I volunteered at Hospice prior to starting nursing school but found after starting clinicals I was unable to give the attention needed to continue volunteering...(of course, part of my problem was I never could just visit the 2 hours required a week)!!!! I personally would use a wait and see approach as to your clinical workload before starting with a patient. Of course, everyone is different so you may be able to swing both without difficulty!!! Good luck to you in your endeavors!!!