need input, want to start Hospice Nursing

Specialties Hospice

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Hi, I love reading posts here but this is my first post. I am a 53 yo new RN grad with 8 years expeience as an LPN, mostly in LTC/ALF and 3 years in home health. My current LTC position is a 'good' job with decent pay and benefits but im really feeling empty and unfulfilled. I mostly pass meds and chart. Ive been seriously researching hospice nursing for a while and have read books (I loved "one foot in heaven" by Heidi Telpner RN). Its a big decision and I want to be as sure as I can be before I move. Will some of you who have done this for a while talk about some of the down sides to it? I know driving will be extensive and there may be irregular hours (??) But what about the psycho-emotional side? Do you stay recharged or do you have times where you feel overwhelmed or drained? Is this worse in the beginning and get better, or vice versa? Other considerations? Of course I love hearing the positive too as im definately leaning towards this specialty, I am happiest when I really connect to a patient.

I'd suggest volunteering to get your foot in the door and to see if hospice is something you'd like to try. That is what I did. I asked to volunteer in an area with a lot of patient contact so that I could see whether I could handle becoming attached to patients and then learning that they have died. I now work in a hospice in-patient unit, which is like a hospital for dying patients. We see a lot end-stage diseases and help patients manage their symptoms. Some patients go home and enjoy more time with their loved ones, others die at our facility. The downsides? Sometimes we get families who don't want their loved ones to have pain meds! Sometimes families just don't get hospice.... they wonder why we aren't trying curative treatments. Staffing can be rough.... all areas of in-patient healthcare seem to be skimping on staff and hospice is no different. I think hospice pay is a bit low. It is a high-burnout specialty. The hours (like in many areas of in-patient work) can be rough. A lot of people (even nurses!) seem to have a misunderstanding of hospice. We really do a lot and see a lot. My facility does blood transfusions and lab draws. We assist doctors with paracentesis. We administer TPN if the families want it. Sometimes we do tube feedings and of course trach care. I really do like working in hospice. I feel like I am helping patients and families get through a difficult time. That said, it is rough... hard on me and the hours are hard on the family. One of my patient families asked one time how hospice employees survive after seeing so much suffering. I was thrown back by that question, then told her that we just make the most of our off time to recharge the batteries... I hope I was more eloquent than that.... but maybe not. Good luck to you!

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Another thought: would you have time to take a PRN hospice position to see if you like it, while maintaining your regular job for awhile, just in case you don't like it? A lot of hospice inpatient units have PRN positions... I don't know if there are field PRN jobs available, though..... I think the inpatient unit is a great way to get started in hospice because there are other nurses around if you have questions.... I came from an acute-care background and was AMAZED at the difference between curative and hospice treatment/medication. It is a different world.

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Actually, there are field PRN positions. They orient for a few weeks with the FT field RNs. That's an excellent way to get a taste for hospice but it IS only a taste. The PCMs will not send their PRN staff into a difficult situation if they can help it. They will get the easy visits, usually (routine visits with the least drama- straight in and out). You really have to be with hospice about a year before you can experience the full range of situations you're likely to run into. The most important trait to have, imo, is being able to keep your equilibrium through various stressful situations. None of us can please everyone so being able to "brush it off" and move on to the next case is important. Also, don't take your work home with you and I mean that literally and figuratively. Don't fret over your patients when you are home- do the best you can for them on the job then set those concerns aside to the next work day. We all need that "me time" to recharge our batteries.

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Hi I am an LPN and was lucky enough to get my first job on a 12 bed general inpatient unit. I love this work. I find it an honor to be able to take care of my patients and my families. I particularly enjoy inpatient setting because I have 3 other nurses to bounce things off of. I work nights and we work as a team. Now, I have found that some cases hit a bit too close to home. I took care of a woman my age (49) that ceased to breath. Very rewarding work. Good luck!

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Specializes in Nursing Leadership.

YaY! Your interview sounds like it went well! If you got an interview basically off cold calling, and he is going to check your references, you are good! I am so excited for you! Just because you are so interested, that means you have heard "The Hospice Call". It is a blessing to be able to provide care and comfort to a patient in their most vulnerable moment. Welcome to our world!

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Well, the assist administrator thought my lpn experience would suffice but the administrator wanted 2 years of Rn experience so I'm back to square A. Well I'm looking at options. My current employer is Ltc with 2 days a week on the rehab side. I'm just unhappy here. we don't have CMAs and 70% of my time is passing meds. Now I'm venting. I'll take my time and look for the right hospice job. I applied for the hospital hospice position, not sure if it's inpatient or home based, I believe they do both.

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Specializes in hospice.

Maybe ask the first hospice if you can get in on a PRN basis?

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Are there ever any LPN jobs in hospice?

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Specializes in hospice.

My hospice company employs tons of LPNs.

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Don't get discouraged!! I was so desperate to find a Hospice Position that I spoke to all the Hospices that visited patients at my SNF. Before I knew it, they were seeking me out for an interview :) Have been in Hospice for 5 years now and love it more every day. RNCM can be taxing....but only due to the documenting. I am now On-Call (7 days on/7days off) and couldn't be happier!! Keep your eyes open and become friendly with every Hospice team member that visits your LTC/ALF. Good Luck and don't you dare given up :)

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Yes. As an LPN I work on ac12 bed inpatient unit.

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Thanks for the encouragement Erin, its good to know you're happy being on call, that part of the position worried me. I will keep my eyes and ears open. At least I AM emplyed and not doing without a job, there is alot to be grateful for. Crazy story~ I picked up an ink pen at work advertising a hospice organization, I called the number on it today and they said my experience is good there and they will be hiring an RN in about a month! So I put my aplication in online today. Turns out they are about 3 miles from my home.... :wishfulthinking:

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