LPN in Hospice

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Hi, there!!

Any LPNs doing hospice? If so, what is it like? What are your likes and dislikes about it?

I've been a Surgical Nurse for almost 2 years now and have been thinking about a career change. I have orientation in a non-for-profit hospice next month and my plan is to do it PRN for a while.

I've had experience before with a couple of DNR pts that ended up staying with us for so long that they became like family at my hospital. We were there for them and their families till the end. These are the ones I never forget. I truly enjoyed being able to care for them in every aspect.

I also did volunteer work for another hospice, so the whole thing is not something foreign to me, but I wanted to hear from someone who does it everyday.

Thanks!

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Hi! I am so glad you posted this and I hope you get a reply! I am starting LPN school this fall and my goal is to be able to work for Hospice.

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I've worked Palliative Care units in Canada. So, yes LPN's are there. The boundaries often can be blurred by the family, staff, and unit managers.

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I like hospice because at my job I never have more than 5 patients. I actually have the time to spend "quality time" with my patients. I don't have to rush around like a maniac like most nurses have to do. I like the fact that all my patients have doctors orders for strong narcotics and therefore their pain is under control and they are comfortable. I dislike the fact that I get attached to these wonderful people and then they die on me and I no longer have the priviledge of taking care of them anymore. :scrying:

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I too have considered doing hospice. Both of my parents were taken care of by hospice nurses. They were warm, loving and gave them excellent care. I believe God gives special abilities to those that want to work in that field. If you didn't care for those patients you work with, you wouldn't be a good nurse. God bless you for giving them comfort in their last days of life. The angels above sing for you.

I like hospice because at my job I never have more than 5 patients. I actually have the time to spend "quality time" with my patients. I don't have to rush around like a maniac like most nurses have to do. I like the fact that all my patients have doctors orders for strong narcotics and therefore their pain is under control and they are comfortable. I dislike the fact that I get attached to these wonderful people and then they die on me and I no longer have the priviledge of taking care of them anymore. :scrying:
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I am an RN, but worked hospice the last 2 years...we definitely used LPN's...primarily to do continuous care cases...but sometimes they would help us with regular visits.

Kathryn RN CHPN

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How inspiring! I am so excited!!!

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