RN Case Manager Patrick Davidson says his career as a hospice nurse is both challenging and fulfilling.

Finding My Niche: Life as a Hospice Nurse

There's something profoundly meaningful about being present with someone during their final journey. As a hospice nurse, I've found that helping people transition with dignity and comfort is not just a career - it's a calling. When I'm in a patient's home as their nurse case manager, I become that steady presence, whether it’s trying to solve a problem to make them more comfortable or just sitting quietly when that's what's needed most. It's a role that challenges me daily and fulfills me in ways I never expected when I first entered nursing fifteen years ago.

What I Love About Hospice Nursing

Ironically, I started my nursing career at the opposite end of the life spectrum - as a pediatric nurse at a walk-in clinic. I've put my foot in various types of nursing over the years, including working as a charge nurse at a subacute rehab facility. It was there that I encountered my first palliative care patient, and something clicked. Helping somebody transition to the next phase was incredibly rewarding and spiritually satisfying.

First and foremost, I love the autonomy of working in hospice. When I'm in a patient's home, I'm the person they're counting on. It's mentally stimulating because I'm constantly thinking on my toes. Every day is different, every patient is different, and I get to use my skills to help people where they are.

I also find the work spiritually fulfilling. There's something profound about assisting someone in their transition to the next life and providing comfort to their families during such a significant moment. Our bodies are intelligently designed: they know how to grow, and they know how to die comfortably. A big part of my job is helping families understand and normalize this process.

Communication is Key

What might surprise people is that about 80% of my time is spent working with the family rather than the patient. The patient is generally "doing their thing," as I like to say. My role often involves educating family members and helping them understand that what they're witnessing is normal.

When communicating with families, I always speak as if they have no medical background. I don't want to assume what they know, especially when they're experiencing heightened emotions and might not absorb everything I'm saying. I make sure to circle back and check if they're truly hearing me, to see if I need to provide additional information or clarification.

One common misconception about hospice is that we speed up or slow down the dying process. That's not what we do. We meet patients and families where they are, assess how much information they're willing to take in, and follow their lead. We allow nature to take its course, only providing medication when there's a symptom that needs addressing.

What Makes a Good Hospice Nurse

Compassion is the most important quality for someone working in hospice. You need to understand that this will be you or your loved ones someday, so putting yourself in their shoes is essential. Being a critical thinker who can react quickly is also vital, as you might be the only healthcare professional in the house when decisions need to be made.

For anyone considering this field, I recommend getting some other nursing experience first. Hospice can present unique challenges, and you should be comfortable with your skills before you are in an environment where you’re making quick decisions at such a solemn and important time in someone’s life. Just as importantly, you need to come to terms with your own mortality before working in hospice

Working at Care Dimensions

What makes my job at Care Dimensions special is the people I work with. From the amazing nurses to the dedicated aides and our big-hearted social workers, everyone is committed to providing exceptional care. I enjoy our joint visits, and the supportive team makes the day-to-day work much easier.

Hospice nursing isn't always easy, but it's always meaningful. Every day, I have the privilege of supporting patients and families through one of life's most significant transitions with dignity, comfort, and compassion. For me, there's no more rewarding work than this.

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