Just wanted to ring in and say HI

[rescue911girlfl]

Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I am a new hospice nurse. I have been an LPN for 3 years, and have an extensive background in the medical field (as and EMT). I started with hospice 4 months ago, and I love my job. I was orginally hired to do strickly PRN for continuous care. Well. the DON realized how much I pay attention to detail, and I was offered a Full Time position with the title of Administrative LPN. I work about half in the office, auditing charts, making sure the RN's notes are complete... etc. The rest of the time I see patients, as a back up to the RN's when their caseload is too much, or patients are in crisis.

I know that there are posts here about those who are burnt out with hospice, I can see how that happens.. My advice is this: we love our patients and their families, but we have to remember we have families of our own that need us. Make sure to take time for yourself... some "Me time" hit the gym, the spa or go for a walk. Keep yourself healty, quit smoking, minimize alcholol consumption. (you know the same things we tell patients and families). If you take care of yourself, you can take better care of your patients and families. And really isn't that why we became nurses, especially hospice nurses.

Allison, LPN