Starting new job in hospice

[life's good]

While I've had experience in various areas of nursing, this will be a first. Can you give me some insight on what to expect? I've had an interest for a long, long time, but the right opportunity had not presented itself, until now.

What makes a good hospice nurse? What are some of the more difficult aspects of the job? Do you like your job?

Thanks all!

[momtotwo]

I love my job as a Hospice nurse. It can be very easy to become too involved in your pt care and finding the line between being a great nurse and too much of a friend can be thin!

It's also important to be able to let whomever is on call take charge and to turn yourself off for the weekend/night. It can be hard sometime cause you get kind of protective of your pts.

It's a great place to be! Hope you enjoy it!

[sharann, BSN, RN]

I am considering hospice nursing as well. I have been nursing 8 years and need a change and hospice keeps coming to my mind. My dad had hospice in his last 6 weeks and it was such a wonderful experience(As much as his death could be obviously). I know he was pain free and died with dignity at home with my mom because of hospice. What kind of training should we expect? Should we have a certain # of "ride alongs"? Thanks

[Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN]

Hi, I am a pretty new nurse, only graduated last May. I am starting a job in Hospice next Monday and am very excited, and also nervous about it. So I just wanted to say Hi and I can give you an update on my orientation, and experience being a new hospice nurse if you would like.

[Becky8]

I would love to hear about your experiences! Congratulations and good luck. I hope to become a hospice nurse when I graduate in 2010. What type of training did you get right out of school? I am in NH right now and looking to head south somewhere, maybe Florida when I am done with school. Thanks for sharing!

Pat