skrainbow

i'm a hospice nurse, is the pt able to make a decision? What we tell our families is that, as the body is dying, things start to shut down, to help with this process. It causes an antesthetic effect in the brain stem, a numbing effect. Adding fluids at this point can actually cause more problems. Fluid in the lungs, edema, ascites, more discomfort. Hope this helps

We have a wonderful volunteer staff. We're a small hospice (ave. 35-40pts) but we have at least that many volunteers. We have 1 staff member that is in charge of it and has recruited from churches, past patient's families, women's groups, etc. She has a very in-depth training program that includes input and training from the cna's, nurses, social workers, berievement counselor and chaplans. Volunteers are included as part of the team and can be as involved as they want, including going to IDT's and we (the nurses) welcome their input.

Like the previous post says, RN's can be Associate Degree-2yr or BSN-4yr. The pay is the same for new grads though. Salary can be anywhere between $18/hr-$40 depending on what part of the country you're in and how much experience you've had and in what area. There is a nursing shortage in most areas. Job description-depends again on what type of nursing you want to do. Many different specialties within a hospital or clinic, home health, hospice, skilled care facility, drs. office, industrial, working for pharmacutical companies, the list is endless. I work for hospice so I have to evaluate and anticipate pts. changing condition, work with drs, families, social workers, etc. History-check out Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton. There have always been nurses throughout history. We've recently (last 20yrs) been given credit for what we do and greater responsibilies. Importance of the job-just ask anyone who's been in the hospital, who do they see the most, who is their link, their spokesman to the doctor. we are. Good luck.

Remember why you wanted to be a nurse in the first place. I've been one for more years than I care to remember and while there are things that make me gag still they are few and far between and overshadowed by the joy I get in helping people. As for catching diseases, etc. wash your hands alot, remember if it's wet and not yours wear gloves and you'll survive. I made it through taking care of AIDS patients before they new what it was. Start your clinicals and you'll see what it's like and if it's something you want to do. It's a wonderful profession and I wish you the best of luck.