What does it mean...

Being a Hospice nurse means that God has entrusted you with the compassionate care of the terminally ill to transition from this life to the next in peace and comfort, and to provide strength and support for the caregivers and families to accept His Almighty Will with courage and faith.

Being a hospice nurse can mean many different things to different people. Emptytheboat's response shows her/his belief that it is about god almighty's will. I, on the other hand really believe it is about human kindness and compassion. It is that kindness and compassion that gives us the ability to look through any judgement and issues that may occur with a pt and family and know that they need our help. Sometimes we can help them a great deal - sometimes a little bit -and unfortunately - on occasion - not at all. Whatever it is, it is all good work.

Yes, it is different things to different people, sorta like the parable about the blind men and the elephant. For me, it is about letting folks know they do not walk alone, and then being there for them in the way they need.

River

To me hospice nursing is bringing the compassion back into a profession which was once all about compassion before staffing issues and managed care came into play. Hospice focuses on the art of nursing. It's a career. It's a way of life. It's a philosophy. It's a journey.

To me hospice nursing is helping a person and their family live the rest of that person's life as fully as possible. Helping and guiding them through that time with the least amount of discomfort, be that physical, emotional or spiritual discomfort. And in the end be there to support the family after their loved one is gone.

All excellent responses!

Yes, they are great responses. Thank you all and please, keep the ideas coming!

My first reaction on being asked to present on this topic was .... FORGET IT... it's so hard to put into coherent words what hospice nursing means to me. I get far more back than I could ever give from it.

For me, hospice is a calling instead of a job. It's a wonderful journey I am priviledged to take with some folks. Death is simply a part of the living process and it is an honor to be allowed being a part of it.

My boyfriend laughs about the fact that I'll probably be working until the day I'm a hospice patient!