Is this a common requirement for being hired at a hospice?

[goodoldroxie]

I have found myself currently unemployed and I thought I would like to try hospice nursing. I passed the initial screening and was invited in for an interview. The interview was going quite well in my opinion until I mentioned that there had been a death in the family in January. The interview was immediately stopped and they said that it is their policy not to hire anyone who has had a death in the family within the past year. The interviewers were very apologetic about it and invited me to come back next year and apply again. I understand their premise that if one is still grieving, one may not be able to support the dying patient's family; however, people die all the time. What would happen if a person working there had a death in the family? Would they be terminated? Is that a legitimate reason for termination. Wouldn't it just add more problems to the grieving employee. I'm interested in knowing how this is handled.

[tewdles, RN]

Advice well taken Enchantmentdis. I have not had to look for a job in many years. This is a new experience and everything has changed. I guess it's like going to court - "Just the facts, Ma'am".

Good idea.

However, keep in mind that if this was a death close to you that the effects of "cumulative grief" will catch up to you if you are not wary and careful while working in hospice.

Not all hospice agencies provide good support for their grieving staff.

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

I did encounter several CNA's who had just had a recent loss and they would frequently talk to staff about their losses. It should be done on an individual basis.

I have to disagree. I don't know about where you work, but at my place of employment we are all very close....almost like family. A person who is greiving NEEDS to talk about their loss. Of course, I'd never burden a family member w/ my issues, but I frequently talk to staff, esp SW and chaplain.