Looking for some advice

[GCmomRN]

I just submitted my application to the local non-profit hospice after seeing an ad in the paper. I just graduated in September so I'm a "new grad" but I have 6 years under my belt as a respiratory therapist where I work in all areas of the hospital and I'm usually working alone. The ad in the paper said 1 year acute care required and I'm hoping my experience will be sufficient even though I'm lacking some basic nursing skills. Just curious what everyone's thoughts are. I have been approached by the ICU nurse manager who offered me a job, but I have really been turned off by how all they want to do in there is keep people alive as long as possible with no regard to the patients wishes or prognosis. This has led me to see how amazing hospice is and I truly feel I have a "calling" as many of you have had as well. I really hope to at least get an interview!! After graduating I knew I didn't want to work in the hospital (I still work there as an RT) so I've been really disappointed that I got my RN for nothing. When I saw this job posting it just felt like I had this whole new world open up for me and it all seemed to make sense :)

[leslie :-D]

many hospices are very flexible, re their requirements and criteria.

often, they will hire someone, based soley on the candidate's enthusiasm to learn.

you have absolutely nothing to lose by applying.

let us know how it works out.

leslie

[ErinS, BSN, RN]

I still think that hospice requires a real ability to not only assess a patient, but apply the assessment to possible situations. We do not hire nurses with less than 1 year of nursing experience, because new nurses generally lack the medical knowledge to know what is happening with a patient right away. That being said, I have met plenty of nurses who with proper training could work in hospice with little experience. The key is being willing to ask questions until people think you are dumb. You work all alone in hospice, and so you have to be willing to ask for advice.

Good luck!

[RehabRedRN]

Hi

I do wish you luck and thank you for your desire to be a hospice nurse, it is my first love although I do work in other areas of nursing. I also believe it is a calling. I know that my company desires at least a year of RN experience, as mentioned above you are working alone in the field. Your assessment skills must be top notch. You cannot be afraid to make waves with the doctors to advocate for your patient. You have to be able to do a ton of teaching with the families and often other nurses if the patient is in a facility. You have a wonderful head start on this with your experience as a RT. Go for the interview and see how it works out. If this job does not come through look for a hospice that has an inpatient unit and try there as you often have others to work with and it is an incredible learning experience.

[AtlantaRN, RN]

You would be a major asset to any hospice organization....You are an RN and an RT.