Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs.Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).If your loved one is receiving Samaritan’s hospice care, a nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (800) 229-8183. Gerard adds, “being a hospice nurse is one of the greatest privileges of my life.”Īre hospice nurses available 24 hours a day? Samaritan LPN Patricia Williams said, “The gratification that comes from hearing I don’t know what I would have done without you is what gets me going every day.” It gives nurses the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a patient’s life and help people live as comfortably as possible with the least amount of pain in their final days. Many hospice nurses find satisfaction in looking after people who are at the end of life. What are the benefits to becoming a hospice nurse? I feel blessed to be able to ensure my patients are comfortable, pain and anxiety free, and an end their journey in a dignified manner.”
I’ve sobbed with daughters, husband, sons, wives, aunts, uncles, and friend. I’ve sung hymns and Christmas carols with a choir of family members and alone with a patient at 3 AM. Samaritan RN, Gerard Schuler, says “I’ve gently stroked a woman’s brow as she took her last breath, telling her she is safe. They are privy to beautiful and intimate moments with families that they treasure. However, when asked, many Samaritan nurses will say it’s a privilege to care for your loved one at the end of their life.
Hospice nurses certainly have to deal with death, sadness and grief often. Read about a day in the life of a hospice nurse > When your loved one is seriously ill, you deal with anxiety, fear, and difficult emotions.
They are flexible and know how to navigate family dynamics in conjunction with other interdisciplinary team members.Ī hospice nurse offers a calming presence. They know exactly what to do for your loved who is in pain or extremely uncomfortable. Hospice nurses are experts in pain control. They provide honest and compassionate discussion about death and dying. Hospice nurses advocate for comfort and dignity. Interested in a career as a hospice nurse? Search jobs now.Ī hospice nurse supports you and your family The hospice nurse provides care in your home, assisted living or nursing home, rehabilitation facility, hospital, or at Samaritan’s inpatient hospice centers. The hospice nurse will talk to you about what to expect as death nears and will be the person who confirms your loved one has passed away. The hospice nurse collaborates with your other healthcare providers and specialists. They always emphasize instructions to call Samaritan 24 hours a day/7 days a week with any questions: (800) 229-8183. They review and discuss the DNR (do not resuscitate) document.
They supervise certified home health aides (CHHAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).Ī hospice nurse educates your family about the disease process, hospice philosophy, nutrition, medication, and skin care.
They create a plan of care for all professional caregivers to follow. They educate you on how to administer medications and are there to answer any questions. They teach family/caregivers about medication indications and side effects. They obtain a physician’s order for oxygen (as indicated), a hospital bed, medications, and other supplies as necessary. The hospice nurse also checks your living space for any safety hazards. They ask you about your pain and monitor pressure ulcers (wounds). They monitor vitals and assess breathing. They perform patient assessments and review medical histories.
A hospice nurse discusses and explains your prognosis.