LovelyLu

Thank you for the replies! It helps me put things into perspective. When I had originally shadowed/interviewed for this job I was confused about the hospice nurse's role. I did not understand why a facility full of nurses would need a nurse from the outside to help care for someone. Now that I have become a hospice nurse I am so thankful for what I have learned.

Hi everyone! I am new to hospice, but not new to nursing. I am a RN with previous step-down nursing experience in a larger hospital. My new job is to be a RN case manager in LTC facilities. Read: I have only ever had hospital experience All in all, I really love the company I work for and feel they have provided me with numerous learning opportunities, references, and a lengthy orientation. I also feel very supported by my coworkers and management. The problem is that I feel like I am suffering from culture shock. The hospital setting is so different from LTC, and I still feel a little bit like a fish out of water. On top of it, I did not realize that LTC facilities do not like outside hospice agencies. Why is this??? To clarify, I meant that some of the management in the facilities I go to are very friendly; and others are not. I have even heard of cases where some will do anything to convince a family not to do hospice. Do we take money from them or something? I have been told this is not the case. This kind of political drama is stuff that I never considered before taking this job. It is very disheartening because all I want to do is take care of my patients and be supportive to the floor nurses and families. In many cases, I feel that the floor nurses are friendly and happy to see me so I fail to understand why LTC do not like outside hospice I would love to hear your thoughts on this...and tips if you have any!