Is hospice for me?

jschut, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2005

And if you choose NOT to try, you will be left forever wondering....

Give it a shot, if you just can't cope, then go elsewhere...that's the beauty of nursing! We are needed everywhere and in every avenue of life...

Good Luck to you!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 1, 2005

I agree. You will never know unless you try it. Good luck :)

webblarsk · Dec 1, 2005

I think you should go for it. Hospice needs kind and compasionate nurses. You will never know unless you try. I won't lie to you and say its easy, or that you will never hurt or be sad. But to make the patient's last days, weeks or months that much better is a awesome feeling. :)

andyg · Dec 1, 2005

Most nurses I have known and thought of changing jobs have always been concerned as to whether they could do Hospice or learn it. These are there biggest fears. I have actually hired two dialysis nurses who do a wonderful job. Hospice has to do with your heart and the rest comes after time. Humor is the best medicine made and will help you and your patients/families deal with even the most difficult situations. Hospice has been my calling for 15 years and hopefully 15 more and I can't think of doing anything else. Give it a try and you will know quickly whether it is for you or not. I bet the first time that dying patient looks up at you and smiles and thanks you for treating them like a person and keeping them comfortable, you'll know. good luck. Andyg

kelluvanurse · Dec 1, 2005

Thanks to everyone who replied, I look forward to my interview tomorrow and I will let you all know how it goes.:)

CANRN, MSN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

I believe Hospice nursing is a calling. I had always wanted to work Hospice, but my father died of cancer, and I was offered a job in a local Hospice and did not take it, I felt "too tender" I worked in several areas of the hospital settling in the ED. My sister died of cancer, and six months later, my mother died of cancer, all three were on Hospice care. I had been told so many times. "You would be good at Hospice" but laughed it off saying I just didn't think I could do it.

Well, I was in an auto accident last fall and got injured and off work 8 months, I went back to work in the ED and just could not physically do it due to my back injury. My friend called me, (she's a Hospice manager) and told me they had a job and if I wanted, I could take it. So I did.

I have no idea why I didn't do this sooner, I love Hospice nursing and just can't imagine doing any other type of nursing. God certainly prepared me well for this and I believe I just wasnt' *listening* to Him in the past!

It's certainly not for everyone, but if you feel that tugging in your heart and soul, then Hospice is probably where you need to be! I think you'll love it!

Good Luck

RN007 · Dec 3, 2005

I'm a new (older) nursing student and haven't been on allnurses for a few days because I'm been swamped with school! (But love every bit of it.) I finished my first clinical rotation in med-surg and was frustrated because I didn't get a chance to get to know each patient better and provide longer-term care when it struck me that maybe what I was called to do is hospice nursing ... I look forward to learning from you all. Happy Holidays! :Holly2:

QuigRN · Dec 3, 2005

I think it is gift to be allowed in the dying person's life and family at this very intimate time. It's not depressing because anything you do is more than they would have received otherwise. What a gift to be so special to others!

abnerRN · Dec 7, 2005

Hello everyone, Im new to this area but recently I have felt a call for hospice and there is a position open for RN Case Management with a local facility and I have an interview tomorrow morning. I am a Christian and I really am feeling drawn to this area of nursing. I am very tender hearted and very empathic toward my patients and I am afraid that I will be depressed all of the time but at the same time I feel as if I have something special to offer to these pts and thier familys. I am currently working in dialysis and really ready for a change. Any advice? I am a very upbeat bubbly personaility and Im not sure that I will fit in this kind of environment.

I have been an RN for 8 years, 7 of which were in long term care. I have recently switched to hospice nursing and agree with those who say hospice is a calling. I was drawn to this field through working with dying patients and their families in nursing homes. i come away from each case blessed in some way. Yes at times it is sad, especially with the younger patients, but bearable because we make a difference in the lives of these people and their families Dying is a fact of life for everybody and dying in comfort and at peace is the best option to me. If you feel drawn to this it may very well be your calling

rosemadder · Jan 18, 2006

The worst day at Hospice beats the best day at the Hospital hands down!