What is the best part of being a hospice nurse?

Specialties Hospice

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Hello - I am crossing over (no pun intended) into the hospice field from dialysis and was wondering if anyone can give me their perspective on hospice nursing. The likes/dislikes, etc. I have done acute dialysis as well as chronic for the last 7 years and the acute on call was horrendous. I wonder if the hospice on call will be as well. I needed a break from dialysis as it is very physically and mentally demanding, and I'm hoping that hospice will be a good fit. I start next week. Any info would be appreciated. Also, what are hospice nurses getting paid. I live in TN.

Thanks so much.....

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I needed a break from dialysis as it is very physically and mentally demanding, and I'm hoping that hospice will be a good fit.

Hospice can also be very demanding (physically, mentally, emotionally) but for me the benefits far out weigh the down side. I get a lot of pleasure working with my patients and pcg one on one. My patients are all either at home or in a LTC facility and I get to really learn alot aobut my pts. For me this is so much better than in the hospital or LTC setting where you don't always have time for those "little extra" things. I do lots of teaching, which I enjoy.

You asked about call....I guess it varies with each facility. Where I used to work, call was a nightmare...I was called out almost everynight. Where I am now, I rarely even get a phone call......usually only when the pt has actually expired. I chalk it up to teaching. At the first place, the nurses were always in a hurry and did very little teaching, so the call nurse was bombarded every night with little things.

Good luck!:balloons:

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Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

The privilege of being with a person/family at the end of life, making them as comfortable as possible, and helping the family prepare for a death. I usually didn't find it depressing, but very rewarding.

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Call varies widely from hospice to hospice depending on what level of resource they devote to it. It also can vary widely just from night to night. Some nights our nurses don't go out at all, the next night they might be on the go the entire night if the deaths and crises bunch up on the same night. You just never know.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Today when I left my patient's home, he said "love ya babe". This coming from a man who is embracing what he has left of life like every day is his last. I really feel like this is a field where you get what you give and it's like wearing a soft warm blanket of love that I believe few nurses get to enjoy anymore.

The work can be very demanding and the day doesn't end when the last visit is over. The phone keeps ringing and the paperwork is never ending. I think that's the biggest downside for me. I'd really like to just turn off and forget about it until the next day.

I'm usually back up on call when I'm on call. One weekend a month and two week nights till 11p. Primary on call are usually dedicated night and weekend nurses. Sometimes I can go for a whole weekend without going out on a visit.

As for pay, many of us are salaried. The hourly rate may sound attractive but you have to take into consideration how many actual hours are being put in a day. It all depends on your caseload. We all get reimbursed for gas mileage but the way it's calculated, it doesn't make up for wear and tear, tires and now gas going up to... $4.00 a gallon????

Anyway, just giving you my 2 cents.

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Thank you to all who answered. You all sound pretty happy overall with hospice nursing and I am excited about starting next week. I'm sure you'll be hearing alot from me in the coming months as I learn the ropes....

Again, thanks for your input.;)

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I got into hospice basically for the hours. I came from ICU and ER (12 hour shifts and 1 hour drive one way to the hospital). After having 2 kids, the 12 hour shifts are impossible for me! So, I have been doing hospice for about 3 years now, it's a rewarding job. But I can't wait for the kids to be a little older and I will go right back to the ER/ICU!! Hospice is boring at times for me.

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So, I have been doing hospice for about 3 years now, it's a rewarding job. But I can't wait for the kids to be a little older and I will go right back to the ER/ICU!! Hospice is boring at times for me.

Wow! You must be an adrenaline junkie. I can't imagine ever finding hospice care boring. I am always learning something new and every day is different. On the other hand, ER/ICU always seemed way too frantic for me. Good thing there are all types of jobs for all types of people!

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

I agree with aimeee. I've yet to get bored in hospice, and I'd probably last about 1 shift in ER/ICU!:lol2:

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, Peds, DD's, Hospice.
Wow! You must be an adrenaline junkie. I can't imagine ever finding hospice care boring. I am always learning something new and every day is different. On the other hand, ER/ICU always seemed way too frantic for me. Good thing there are all types of jobs for all types of people!

I AGREE!!!! I embark each day with a fresh attitude and eager to see my patients, knowing I can help and problem solve! I am NEVER bored, so I have found my home! Yes, a lengthy admit or needy family can throw a wrench in my well oiled plans, but that's what the team is for!

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