nurseday7

Thank you for the advice...We are fighting and advocating for our patients in a very professional manner, and bring options to the table..most of the nurses are pretty tired..and losing hope..It's a large institution with too many cooks in the kitchen..I am looking else where, but again I love my co-workers, and I want to remain hopeful for our patients..

My story is similar to yours, and I too love hospice work, it's my calling...I have been a hospice case manager for two years now...What I love about it most is the quality of people I work with whether it's our medical directors or HHA, they are outstanding supportive people..There is a energy of support, and love for each other that you won't find anywhere else... Currently I work for a not for profit health system. I have been frustrated by our increased case loads,higher acuity, and long driving distance. I drive up to 100mi in one day...I have been finding myself asking the same questions I did when in the hospital..Am I providing the quality of care that my patients need and deserve?..I find myself feeling more and more that I am falling short, due to the demands, and constraints of my job.. I have been thinking about looking into other hospice's but I love my co-workers..I feel very torn..

I think one of the most challenging aspects of hospice nursing for me, is realizing it is not my responsibility as a nurse to 'fix' everything. You are feeling responsible for her feelings. You can be compassionate and understanding, w/out taking responsibility for everything she feels or wants...I think sometimes we actually provide a disservice when we try to do that, because we may be hindering possible growth, processing, or learning by trying to alleviate all discomfort. This is her life journey, we are there to walk the path with them, not for them. This has been a hard lesson for me. a possible solution would be sharing this pt with another RN. I did that with one of my patients...it made all the difference in the world.