Interested in entering your world

[NurseKJay]

I am an RN working as a research coordinator in a clinic setting at a large hospital (where I've been for the past 5 years since graduating from nursing school). I always wanted to work in research, particularly the area that I am currently in, however, lately I've been thinking it may be time for a change. My grandma recently lost her battle with lung cancer. She moved in with my parents right around the time of diagnosis (a few months ago) and was under the care of a hospice team. Her team consisted of angels on earth and helped out my family in more ways than one. I am so grateful for all they did for my family the past few months. They have inspired me to possibly make a change in my life. I have grown frustrated with my work environment and think it may be time to explore a different path. I have always felt one of my strengths is my ability to connect with my patients and their families. I want to help others as my grandmother's hospice nurse and her team helped my family. I am aware part of all this might be influenced by my grief at this time and don't want to make any sudden changes right now; however, I do feel this may be the place for me and want to explore my options. After reading several entries in this forum, I feel inspired. This line of work is a true calling for those who are in it and I feel excited when I read your posts! I see both the benefits and drawbacks to hospice nursing and all of it just reaffirms my desire to pursue this. I am nervous though, as I haven't performed a lot of the procedures that one would need to be familiar with in order to do that kind of nursing. It is far different from the kind of work I have been doing the past five years. Any advice/suggestions you have for me would be greatly appreciated as I explore this avenue some more! I also plan to get in touch with my grandma's hospice nurse and talk to her about my options and the work she does. Thanks for "listening"! :redbeathe

[MissIt]

I am going to take a nurse refresher course with a skills lab component and then, hopefully, start doing a few shifts a week at an inpatient hospice. I think one day I might move into case management, but it seems like the inpatient facility might be a good place to get your feet wet. Do you have one near you? Maybe they have a float pool and you could do a couple of shifts a month and see what you think.

[hospicevet 20, ASN, RN]

I think you're wise in not making a jump so soon after losing your grandmother. Talking with her hospice nurse is probably a good idea, since she knows you, and can probably give you some good advice. When I started in hospice, it was preferred that we have some "life experience," such as significant loss or overcoming some difficulty. It was believed that it increased our ability to connect to our patients and families, and I believe that is still the case. You run the risk of identifying too much with someone facing a similar loss, but you could also be a real gift to them. It sounds like you listen to your gut, and that is a wonderful thing. Don't worry too much about the skills, they can be learned pretty quickly if you have a good preceptor/mentor, What can't be taught is the committment and the soul.

Best of luck, and be safe.