thinking about hospice nursing

leslie :-D · Jan 1, 2009

hi amylou,

i started in hospice straight from nsg school.

they recommend experience in med/surg or oncology nsg.

some want home health, since majority of hospice positions are for the home.

i don't know about hiring from ltc, but do know there are hospices will hire you if they feel you possess the right character qualities they are seeking.

i've done basically inpatient hospice and had a superb orientation.

but as i said, there are always employers that will hire you if they feel it will be a good fit.

so if this is where your heart is, definitely go for it.

much luck to you.

and happy new year!

leslie

pink85 · Jan 1, 2009

I wanted to respond to your post even though I do not have an answer for you b/c I have never done hospice. I just want to say that if you feel you have a calling to serve in this area of nursing than you should go for it. I personally feel that this is a very special area and you must have certain qualities to do this kind of nursing. Helping a person die a dignified and comfortable death and being there for the family is an honorable job. My grandmother recently passed and was on home hospice and the nurses were wonderful and comforting. I am so glad we had them to lean on and depend on for her. You know if you have something to offer this area of nursing so if you feel you do then tell them so.

rngolfer53 · Jan 1, 2009

hi amylou,
i started in hospice straight from nsg school.
they recommend experience in med/surg or oncology nsg.
some want home health, since majority of hospice positions are for the home.
i don't know about hiring from ltc, but do know there are hospices will hire you if they feel you possess the right character qualities they are seeking.
i've done basically inpatient hospice and had a superb orientation.
but as i said, there are always employers that will hire you if they feel it will be a good fit.
so if this is where your heart is, definitely go for it.
much luck to you.
and happy new year!
leslie

I was hired into hospice with about 7 months nursing experience, and I'm doing well in hospice and I love it. I do after hours visits, and there are certainly times I wish I did have more nursing experience.

But hospice is very much about listening and relating to people at one of the most stressful times they will endure. I'm pretty even-keeled, and that seems to help them deal with their own emotions. Teaching is also a BIG part of hospice, and that's something I enjoy, and have experience with.

To me, a LTC background would fit nicely into hospice. I see some excellent nurses in the facilities I go into, though they are often unable to show their full talent r/t the patient load they have.

Kylea · Jan 1, 2009

The unit I currently work on is LTC/Rehab/Hospice. The good thing about working Hospice after LTC is that you are already working in that patient population. You understand the needs. As posted above, if your heart is in it, you can't go wrong in pursuing it. Follow your heart, it won't lead you wrong. Good luck!