need input, want to start Hospice Nursing

[elimayrn]

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.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Don't give up! I'm a mostly new grad (graduated in December) and have only been working a few months in LTC (two different facilities). Like you, I HATE that the job consists mostly pushing a med cart. The other night, I had 19 patients, 2 with trachs and 4 with feeding tubes, I was running 12 hours straight. There is zero time to truly assess patients! I don't feel patients in LTC get the attention they deserve! Okay, I'm digressing...

I did hospice in my community clinical rotation and have known since then that is where I wanted to be so I've got hospice alerts being emailed to me from all the job websites. I apply to most of them (though they all seem to want experience) and a couple of weeks ago I got a response from one. Having just started at a new job in LTC, I almost blew them off, but after emailing back and forth went in for an interview. The next day I got a job offer!!! I'm going to be a case manager with a small organization and I'm more than exited (and a bit nervous!).

[elimayrn]

Congratulations on your job offer. How Exciting. Let us know how it is going, how much orientation will you receive ?

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

They said I'll get as much as I need to feel comfortable on my own.. I was left with the impression it would be as much as I needed. I probably should have asked! lol If I'm being honest, I didn't think I had a chance and just kind of winged it... they were very nice, and have a pretty nice benefits package for a small, family owned outfit. I'll definitely keep y'all updated.

[Nashvillejeanne]

If you are working in home health and LTC...you are taking care of hospice patients. They are just not signed up. See if you can do a shadow or ride along for a day with a hospice. You may need a background check and you may need to sign a privacy agreement, but it will give you an idea of what a day looks like.

Peace