The hospice nurse is a vital part of the Samaritan hospice team. The team is composed of your family physician and/or specialist, plus a Samaritan physician, nurse, social worker, spiritual support counselor, home health aide, volunteer, and other specialists if necessary. Together, the team addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of you and your family.
All hospice nurses must be licensed in the State of New Jersey. Many of Samaritan’s nurses are also certified hospice and palliative care nurses (CHPN).
A hospice nurse cares for people who have been diagnosed with six months or less to live and have chosen hospice care at the end of life. As part of the hospice philosophy of care, a hospice nurse focuses on comfort and quality of life. They provide individualized care based on each person’s unique needs.
A hospice nurse discusses and explains your prognosis. They perform patient assessments and review medical histories. They monitor vitals and assess breathing. They ask you about your pain and monitor pressure ulcers (wounds). The hospice nurse also checks your living space for any safety hazards.
They obtain a physician’s order for oxygen (as indicated), a hospital bed, medications, and other supplies as necessary. They teach family/caregivers about medication indications and side effects. They educate you on how to administer medications and are there to answer any questions. They create a plan of care for all professional caregivers to follow. They supervise certified home health aides (CHHAs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).
A hospice nurse educates your family about the disease process, hospice philosophy, nutrition, medication, and skin care. They review and discuss the DNR (do not resuscitate) document. They always emphasize instructions to call Samaritan 24 hours a day/7 days a week with any questions: (800) 229-8183.
The hospice nurse collaborates with your other healthcare providers and specialists.
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 provides care in your home, assisted living or nursing home, rehabilitation facility, hospital, or at Samaritan’s inpatient hospice centers.
Hospice nurses advocate for comfort and dignity. They educate and guide. They provide honest and compassionate discussion about death and dying. They listen. They reassure.
Hospice nurses are experts in pain control. They know exactly what to do for your loved who is in pain or extremely uncomfortable.
They are flexible and know how to navigate family dynamics in conjunction with other interdisciplinary team members..
A hospice nurse offers a calming presence. When your loved one is seriously ill, you deal with anxiety, fear, and difficult emotions. A hospice nurse is there for you.
Do hospice nurses enjoy their job?
Hospice nurses certainly have to deal with death, sadness and grief often. However, when asked, many Samaritan nurses will say it’s a privilege to care for your loved one at the end of their life. They are privy to beautiful and intimate moments with families that they treasure. Samaritan RN, Gerard Schuler, says “I’ve gently stroked a woman’s brow as she took her last breath, telling her she is safe. I’ve sung hymns and Christmas carols with a choir of family members and alone with a patient at 3 AM. I’ve sobbed with daughters, husband, sons, wives, aunts, uncles, and friend. 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.”
What are the benefits to becoming a hospice nurse?
Many hospice nurses find satisfaction in looking after people who are at the end of life. 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.
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.”
Gerard adds, “being a hospice nurse is one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Are hospice nurses available 24 hours a day?
Yes. 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.