I have been a home care nurse for the past two years, prior to that I worked in the clinic setting. I am not, nor ever have been a hospice nurse. In my area, we come in and help the patient on a temporary basis until they are back on their feet. During the certification time for this patient he has steadily had a decline in health. I mentioned hospice to his wife several months ago and she was not receptive at all. He continues to get worse and now is pretty much bed bound. Last week his wife began asking me for details about end of life. I explained to her that this is not my area of expertise & asked again about hospice. She declined. This week she finally said she was ready because she had questions & needed help. When she mentioned it to him, he was adamant that he was NOT going on hospice.
What do I do? I don't have a clue how to help her with end of life situations. I feel bad for them, but I can't force him to accept hospice. I won't leave them stranded, but I honestly feel I am way out of my comfort zone here.
