Are you still seeking your perfect and purposeful match in nursing practice, operations, or management? It is (past?!) time to consider hospice and palliative care nursing. We have only listed 10 of the reasons below, but there are many more!
This is a specialty that is aspirational AND relational! If you are a people person, have great critical-thinking and assessment skills, enjoy working independently, and want to practice in a care setting that provides truly individualized care, one person and family at a time, then hospice and palliative care nursing is for you.
Here are just 10 reasons why you should consider this area of specialty practice:
- There is nothing like it.
It is a privilege to care for a patient at one of their most vulnerable times to ensure they are comfortable, maintain dignity, and have the highest possible quality of life.
- Nurses have the honor of “following” people and their caregivers across care settings and across time.
Think of President Jimmy Carter. Research shows that some people live longer once in hospice care.
- An organization and its dedicated team collaborate to devise, organize, and communicate a comprehensive care plan, encompassing all the necessary activities to ensure optimal support.
This cuts down on opportunities for miscommunication.
- You are the case manager.
The nurse is a case manager in the truest sense of that title and role.
- Hospice care emphasizes “care.”
Most people “on” hospice care remain in their home setting. This ‘home” is wherever the person calls or designates as home—it may be an assisted living, nursing, or residential facility.
- But not all hospice care is provided at home.
There are specialized in-patient hospice care areas. These may be in free-standing buildings or a specially designed area of an inpatient setting, such as a hospital that cares for a patient if they need acute symptom management.
- The nurse and care team can make a significant impact in numerous roles.
This includes assessment of patient and family needs; care planning that includes the hospice team, the patient, and the family; and provision of education about declining disease process and what to expect at the end of life.
- The Medicare Hospice Benefit (MHB) is a special Medicare insurance program for those over age 65 that is comprehensive and unique.
This benefit recognizes the patient AND family/friends—whomever the patient determines is to be involved are the “unit” of care.
- The MHB is truly interdisciplinary.
For example, it is not solely the nurse who asks about the patient’s pain and how the caregiver is doing/coping. The therapists, aides, spiritual counselors, and other team members also ask such questions and report this back to the care team. Everyone works together to accomplish what matters to the patient and family.
- Volunteers are readily available.
One very unique aspect of hospice is that it provides volunteers who are specially trained to help the person and family on their unique and sacred hospice journey.
Check out this case study with these “whys” in action:
Mr. Anderson is a retired teacher who has been battling lung cancer for the past two years. Despite undergoing various treatments, his cancer has progressed, and his oncologist has determined that curative measures are no longer viable. Mr. Anderson and his family have chosen to transition to hospice care to ensure his comfort and emotional well-being during his remaining time.
The hospice nurse implements a personalized pain management plan for Mr. Anderson. Through a combination of medications and alternative therapies, his pain and discomfort are significantly alleviated, which improves his overall comfort and well-being. Mr. Anderson's family members appreciated the clear communication and guidance provided during this difficult time. The family also felt emotionally supported and better equipped to provide care for Mr. Anderson due to the guidance and education provided by the nurse and the rest of the hospice team.
The hospice team had a significant impact on Mr. Anderson's quality of life during his terminal illness. The personalized pain management plan and emotional support contributed to his enhanced comfort and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the hospice care team's guidance and education empowered his family to be actively involved in his care, strengthening their support network. The compassionate approach of hospice care addresses physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs, and not only benefits the patient but also provides valuable support to their families during difficult times.
With this case study fresh in your mind, if you are seeking the space where your nursing skills could make the most impact, please consider hospice and palliative care nursing. You will not be disappointed. It may be the perfect match for you, your patients, and families who look forward to meeting you!
Tina Marrelli, MSN, MA, RN, FAAN, is the President of Marrelli and Associates, Inc., a publishing and consulting firm working in healthcare for over 20 years. She is a member of Sigma’s Tau Zeta Chapter, and the author of numerous books, including the new Sigma release Hospice & Palliative Care Handbook, Fourth Edition.