Per Diem Hospice Nursing

req_read · Apr 17, 2006

Just on the face of it I would say that just because a nurse works less often it would not follow that s/he would need to know less about the job. Orienting for only 2-3 days/week sounds like you’ve signed on with a cheap outfit. I have never worked in a place where a part-time orientation was provided for nurses hired in part-time positions.

100%hospicenurse · Apr 25, 2006

I worked per diem, but ended up doing 40 hours a week when I started. Most hospices seem to use per diem nurses to lighten the load for busy full-time case managers, or to see pts. when case managers are on vacation or sick. You will need a full-fledged orientation, but will probably not have the full responsibility of "managing" or "care-planning" for the pts. you see. We have a per-diem nurse now who carries a caseload. It can be done part-time, if you want to do it. I think orientation time is very individual. If you need more time, ask for it. And seek out nurses on the staff who you can call if you have questions. There's a lot of learning on the job with hospice, and you shouldn't feel alone out there. Good luck.

nurselearner · Apr 26, 2006

Thanks 100%. I will be orienting 3 days per week - my request due to my schedule. My manager has left it open ended as to how long that will take. And I will be attending the weekly team meetings so I can meet and learn how all the different team members work together. Everyone seems to be totally supportive. I received my orientation manual which is great - divided into sections on family, pain management etc and she has told me they have a catalogued "library" of books and articles I can borrow. I start next week. Thanks for your support.

Delta