New Grad 1st Job Hospice

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Hello to all I finally got my first Job as a New Grad RN working inpatient unit hospice. Am excited but scared at the same time because I don't know what to expected coming into this area. Any advice or things I should know will be very helpful to me, thanks to all who respond.

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aw joe, don't be nervous.

working inpatient, you will have plenty of hands on training, and around the clock support.

inpatient is typically short term, and is reserved for hospice pts whose symptoms cannot be managed at home.

it is comprised of intense, moment to moments assessments of what's occurring and what needs to be done.

my job is icu for the dying...

don't know if all inpts are like this.

i strongly feel you are going to love it.

let me know how it goes...

would love to hear all about it.

leslie

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care, OB/GYN, Peds,.

This can be a very fulfilling job if you remember to set boundaries for yourself so you don't burn out. You have to remember the final goal is not to cure but to comfort which will take a different mind set than acute care so many times the drug doses are higher and more frequent than you may have learned. Nothing that we give our Hospice patients will "take them out" sooner than they were supposed to leave. Your team members can be a source of wisdom and support so use what they can offer and never be afraid to ask questions. I have been a nurse for 42 years and am still learning, but never think that you know more than you do know. Good luck and let us know how you are doing in your job.:redpinkhe

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Hey Joebrown, I know this is off subject, but I am a new nurse, and I am trying to start off in hospice. How is your orientation going? How long is your orientation? And do you feel like you're getting enough support as a new nurse?

Thanks!

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Joe - congrats ! It takes a special person to be able to work hospice. My dad was inpatient hospice for almost a month and my brother, sister and i stayed with him 24/7 so I witnessed what the nurses did around the clock. They were amazing and part of the reason I decided to go to nursing school at age 42. It did get pretty intense/sad when dad was in end stage of dying, but the compassion and caring, not only physical but emotional as well, that the nurses displayed, not only helped my dad die peacefully, but helped his family cope. At times, the nurses were there more for us and helping us understand what was happening. I don't know how we would have gotten thru it without the great hospice nurses. All my best to you...........

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When you decided to go into hospice was this what you wanted to do? It is a learning experience... i was told by a few nurses that once you get into hospice "for a long time" it is hard to get a job back in the hospital or other fields. I hope you will enjoy and stick with it... hospice needs as many caring people as they can get. Pallative care is hard for myself to cope with! Good Luck and Enjoy.. you are an angel for sure :saint:

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