lkisby

Hi, Getting into hospice can be challenging because we are always looking for nurses with experience. That being said, there are certain qualities I look for when interviewing. One big quality is maturity, along with a true passion for the work of hospice. As for training, yes, get as much info on end of life care as you can get your hands on. NHPCO.org is a great resource along with the state organization where you are from. Books are a great resource as well. Ira Byock is a good start as is Kubler-Ross. There are books by hospice nurses offering insight into their experience. Final Gifts is a good book and Dying Well by Byock. I hope that helps. Pediatric hospice work will require a lot more work to get into. An agency might be willing to train you, but learn the basics of nursing if you haven't already. ljk

I appreciate you sharing your expertise. I'll keep that in mind. Our home care uses McKesson and want us to consider switching to it. It seemed rather intensive with many screens. Thanks again

Thanks so much for your advice. Can you tell me more about HPMS? Is it online or is there a need for a server?

It seems you might want to ask a few questions: Was the job posted and are there any staff currently who might be interested in the position. Are they licensed and accredited and certified? Are they members of the state hospice organization and the national one? Ask if you can see a copy of the job description and who you would report to. Ask about staff turnover rates. That can be telling. Who will orient you if the director is leaving? That's a start. I hope this helps. Linda

I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction, this decision is certainly yours to make. What state are you in? The time will be an investment initially. If you get things quick it might just work for you. I would be nervous to take such a position, especially with no experience. Hospice is a challenging field, there would be a lot of catch up you would need to do to learn the regs put out by CMS (Medicare/Medicaid) the CoPs (Conditions of Participation) the regs in your particular state and either Joint Commission or CHAPS depending on the agency. You may be a quick study and have the personality to take it on, and if so good for you. I know there are staff who might find it hard to work for someone who knows less than them. I hate to say it, but it's a reality. I wish you the best.

Hi, I'm on the east coast and the software we use if Cerner BeyondNow. We are looking at McKesson right now, but will sit tight until we are certain we want to make a change. Regardless of the software you use, the most important thing to remember is for the notes to be patient specific. As for our product, we've had it since 2003 when we went live. The critical updates, some due to CMS, are tough to keep up with. It seems to be working for now though. ljk

I have been a Clinical Director of a hospice for 11 years now. My position requires me to be available 24/7 for my on call staff and field staff. Since most everything is clinical most everything goes through me. I have 3 on call nurses who mostly cover for each other, they are great. If I can't find a replacement, it's mine to cover. If there's a day shift nurse out and my one per diem nurse is unavailable I may need to go out to see a patient. Does the job require experience? Hospice is very different from home care on so many levels. I hope this helps. ljk