I got an e-mail this morning from Risible Girl, one of my favorite hospice volunteers, letting me know that her father-in-law has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with she and her family today.
I titled this post "The downside to hospice work" because Risible Girl just found out the hardest part of being a hospice worker. Read the post and you'll see what I mean. To those who are not among the ranks of the hospice workers, death is very much a mystery. You may pull back the curtain and see it once or twice in your life, but that is all. The old saying, "ignorance is bliss" fits well when it comes to the terminal illness and death of a loved one. Unfortunately, hospice workers do not have the luxury of ignorance. Risible Girl tells the story of being the only person in the family who understood what was happening. I've been there, and it is a lonely place to be.
I've said before that hospice workers "are the experts at the one thing nobody wants to be an expert at". Today Risible Girl has found out the downside to that expertise.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Thanks 4 this post. My Grandfather passed away 2 days ago ... The last night I was w/him I was rubbing his hands and legs ... My Mom said that I should do this for a living b/c I have such a BIG heart. I have been thinking long & hard about her comment and want to chg careers ... I think/know this would be a good chg for me; however I'm not sure how to get started ... Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
(KPFLNJ AT YAHOO DOT COM)
I am a nurse going for an interview at a hospice today. I want the job. I am fearful though, I don't know if I will be strong enough to work there. I lost my mother 5 years ago from cancer, and the hospice was an amazing support to my family. I want to give back. I have worked in hospitals, extended care homes, and home care. I get frustrated in theses positions as all I do is push meds or deal with staffing shortages. I feel like this line of work will let me feel like I "can help again" and in a important way!
Is it ok to not be a perfect hospice nurse? Is it ok to feel sad? Is it ok to cry? I too have a blog as well, and I think i will become a follower on yours too! Thanks
Post a Comment