I went straight into Hospice nursing from school. I had a greater learning curve than most. I work with wonderful nurses that have taught me a lot. I work on an inpatient unit so I am not out there alone. I am also 50 years old and have life experience dealing with all types of people. I cannot tell you if it is easier because I have nothing to base that from. However, I will say that if you choose home hospice you will be out there by yourself, you have a lot of autonomy and you never know what you are walking into. You will encounter situations where family members are not on the same page with regard to the patient. You will have family members that are not realistic about the patient's prognosis. You will hear "If they would just eat and get stronger"..... You will find that your professional judgement is that the patient should be medicated for pain but the family wants them lucid so they refuse meds. We admitted a man last night and his son, who is a physician, asked me how we were going to "off his father". With that said, you will have people that are grateful for the care you provide to them and their families. You will have the honor of being with someone as they take their last breath. I find it more rewarding than stressful. I love my job and I feel blessed to have it. Please remember that not all hospice patients are elderly. I have taken care of a 14 year old, a 19 year old, women my own age, men and women with little kids. Sometimes you get close to these people and then see them come back onto the unit and pass away. You grieve. You laugh. You cry.
