I am planning on volunteering my time to help out S.D.Hospice, has anyone ever had any experience doing this type support?
2006-10-02 15:06:11 · 11 answers · asked by Jamaison D 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
That type of work (either paid or unpaid) is not for everybody. It takes a certain type of person that is secure in their own beliefs about death and dying.
I was a volunteer at the local hospital while working in Medical Records. The hospital provided the training necessary and also provided continuing education in matters relating to palliative (comfort care).
It was the most rewarding experience of my life. The terminally ill patient most likely doesn't want to die alone. The family of the patient has issues of their own. Each case is different but there's a common thread to everyone. Dignity is extremely important to both patient and family. Hospice/palliative care workers assist the patient and families to achieve that. They can help in a variety of ways, anywhere from making arrangements, holding the hand of the dying, being there when family can't or won't. Listening and actually HEARING what the patient and the family is saying is actually the most important role the hospice/palliative care worker can do.
It is emotionally intense, but the spiritual reward is huge. I gained broad knowledge of humanity and an understanding of the dying process. This might sound weird, but it can be a beautiful experience.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor. Our society is crying out for people like you.
2006-10-02 20:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by jr95667 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No experience working in hospice, but both of my grandparents had hospice for their impending deaths. It was the most wonderful experience!! The people are so kind and gentle. We developed quite close relationships with both of the hospice nurses we had.
It is a daunting task, supporting the family of a dying patient and it takes a special person to do it.
Good Luck!! I'm sure you will be a wonderful asset.
2006-10-02 15:10:15 · answer #2 · answered by Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally have not but my mother, who I am extremely close to has worked hospice for years and years. I asked her if it was hard because all of her patients die and she said no it was probably one of the most rewarding things out there. Her job was to help the patient and their family prepare mentally and physically for the departure of a loved one. Having met some of the families of her past patients I know that what she does is extremely helpful. She answers families concerns as to whether what their family is going through is normal or not and helps keep the patient as comfortable as possible. I'd say if you are a sympathetic and caring person your time would be wonderfully spent in a hospice office!
2006-10-02 15:10:09 · answer #3 · answered by Andrea B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did hospice volunteer work about ten years ago. It's pretty intense emotionally, but the folks who run the hospice understand this, and (at least in Saint Louis where I was) allow for it in what they ask you to do. It is an incredible privilege to share with someone that final passage from life and to help them on that journey.
2006-10-02 15:16:02 · answer #4 · answered by WildOtter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an RN and have worked in hospice. I have never worked with child cases. I enjoyed hospice as you get very close to the families. You can get more pain control than in a hospital and most people I worked with were very glad to have me around. There are also housekeepers and home health aides.
2006-10-02 15:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by bramblerock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done hospice work for many years... I really liked it you have to have an open mind and a compassionate heart but it is a very rewarding job. It is easy to attach to the families and to the person that you are caring for and it is tough when their time comes. Good Luck to you and hope that you find it rewarding as I did.
2006-10-02 15:21:17 · answer #6 · answered by annie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best friend just left the Medical Center where we both worked to take a position with Hospice. She is very impressed with the organization because they genuinely care about their patients. They not only help with patients medical needs but also help financially if the family is in need.
2006-10-02 15:10:17 · answer #7 · answered by Lady Biker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, i never worked in a hospice, but my mother had a hospice. it was really nice, they brought in a hospital bed into her house, they took care of her, and the nurse was very, very nice. thats the key, kindness, care, and to be genuine.
2006-10-02 15:09:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is one of the most rewarding experience that you can have. The people appreciate it so much. You should for sure do it, you wont regret it.
2006-10-02 15:08:55 · answer #9 · answered by sctjjeeper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes I did it. I lasted only 2 weeks. It wasn't for me it's to depressing.
2006-10-02 15:20:00 · answer #10 · answered by brigette b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋