Deenurse1

I work in a hospice house. Our doctor usually handles this situation. Not saying "hospice" can be a common request of us from the family. I usually tell them I will do my best. The family knows their patient better than me and it may be upsetting to the patient. I do tell the family if the patient asks me if they are in hospice I won't lie, however I usually find that a patient never asks that question directly. Everyone who has posted that the patient knows what is going on is generally right. They have that sense. Usually they want to protect their famiy. My biggest frustration is when family members want medications held. Requires lots of education, sometimes they get it, sometimes they don't. I struggle with when they don't.

I work in a hospice house and our ratio is 1:4 with 2 techs during the day and 1:4 with 1 tech at night. Our field side nurses can vary greatly on nurse pt ratio.

Congratulations chilceb! Our HH is 1:4 with 2 techs during the day and 1:4 with 1 tech at night. It can be very busy at times and other times less busy. The census changes daily. Our HH does better financially than our field side care. My frustration goes more with management or co-workers than the patients and their families. It can be difficult when families have not been with some one dying before. There is lots of ongoing education. Before I started in hospice I checked out many books from the library to get all kinds of perspectives. We do give medications often to manage symptoms. I struggle sometimes with caring too much but I still feel like this is what I am supposed to do. When families share their appreciation I know I've done a job well done. Best of luck to you!!!

Hi Chillceb, I work in a Hospice House and totally Love my job! I'm not saying it is perfect, the down side has more to do with management. It can be busy. Our ratio is 1 to 4 and 1-2 Techs. We are a 16 bed facility. Some times we are full with a waiting list and other times we have less than 8 patients. It can literally change from hour to hour. The computer program we use is not the greatest and causes us grief. But our patients and their families are so very appreciative. It is very rewarding. Our patients generally come to our hospice house to either get their symptoms managed and go home or to a nursing facility with home hospice or they are in the last days of their lives. Some ask how I can do this job. I usually explain that our goal is to help some one pass without pain, peacefully and with dignity. I get a lot of opportunities to educate both patients and their families/friends. I feel like I could go on and on. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Best of luck!