Time for a career change!

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I am an OR nurse with 10 years experience. I love what I do but I'm getting tired of crawling under OR tables to move drill pedals for spine surgeons. I have always had a sparkle of interest in hospice, and the experience I had with my ex-husband's hospice care was so dignified when he passed... I am very interested in learning more. How can I get to spend a day with a Hospice/Palliative care nurse? Who should I contact? I live in the Long Beach/ OC area, and would happily do a ride along if such a thing is permitted. Any help you could give me would be wonderful. Thank you so much.

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Specializes in L&D/MB/High-risk antepartum; Hospice.

Most places should be more than willing to let you do a ride along. Do you work for a hospital system? If you do, check and see if you offer hospice there, and if you do, contact that manager and ask to do a ride along....that's what I did and it was amazing :) Otherwise, just try calling a hospice in your area and ask....I can't imagine anyone saying that you couldn't go out with a nurse for a day.

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Specializes in OR, PACU, Med-Surg.

I am an OR nurse also and considering a career change also. Any information would be appreciated.

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I have been a hospice RN x 6y, (CHPN x 2). I would say the skills/qualities most useful would be:

a)ability to rapidly assess multiple body/psychic symptoms while understanding likely underlying causes

b) Concomitant ability to intuitively/energetically 'read' the patient and also the care setting (i.e. internal/external stressors?)

c)Knowledge of palliative meds and dosing for this pt and these symptoms with use of nonpharmacy care interventions

d)Strong psychosocial/interpersonal skills, esp, listening, w/open-heart. You will frequently face fear in its many guises.

It helps to be organized and mindful, to keep car supplies stocked, med sheets up to date, recertification/review dates on schedule. It helps to have a spiritual practice, something to regularly connect you to peace, pleasure, joy.

If you wish to buy the study guide for certification...it covers the practice domains that you will encounter and would prepare you to eventually become certified: http://www.nbchpn.org/

Wishing you a fruitful journey...

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