I have always wanted to be a hospice nurse and I think it is a calling. However, last week a hospice nurse came into our facility to see one of our patient that we finally got her back to a certain degree of wellness after few days of caring and countless of hourly check crushed my idea of hospice nursing, at that time. She stomped her feet and pouted while telling me that she thought this resident should just die now so the nurse doesn't have do visits with her. I was in shock and was very disappointed. Without being too harsh on her so I told her that I was busy passing meds if there isn't anything else that I could help with. She left and also make me doubt my beliefs. Is hospice nursing really a calling or just another job?
Then there came another hospice nurse. Two nights ago, I held a resident's hand while she took her last breath. After I confirmed my first death, I couldn't help myself and felt very sad. This resident's hospice nurse came in within 10 minutes. She confirmed my initial assessment and finished up everything with the patient and all the paper work for the resident then she did the most amazing thing that I thought a nurse could have done to a brand new nurse. She spent a lot time talking to me and explained all the decision for this resident from admitting her to hospice along with every little details that came with. at 2 am, she was not tired. She talked to me in great empathy and understanding. She spoke to my heart and restore my belief. She said hospice nursing is a calling. It is a calling from what I see in her. She could be so kind to a brand new nurse that she just met who is not even her co-worker show me that there are nurses out there believe the same thing.
