At iServe Hospice, our nurses have an incredibly important role in the care of our patients. As a home healthcare provider owned by nurses, we understand the importance that nurses have on the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our patients.
What is a Hospice Nurse?
Unlike nurses at medical facilities like hospitals, hospice nurses will focus on comfort and quality of life over curative treatments. Hospice nurses have a calling to care for people during the most difficult stage of their lives and provide support to grieving families.
The Roles of Hospice Nurses
Being a hospice nurse is not an easy career with multiple roles and responsibilities, but being part of the end-of-life journey at iServe Hospice is incredibly rewarding.
- Assessment and care planning. During the initial stages of hospice care, nurses, along with doctors and other members of the care team, will assess the patient to create a care plan tailored to their unique medical needs. These needs will include physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. This process is often coordinated by a hospice case manager who works seamlessly with the patient and their family to ensure the highest quality of care is given and the patient is comfortable.
- Symptom management. The goal of hospice is to manage and ensure that all symptoms are stabilized. Hospice nurses are trained to manage symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness of breath that are most commonly experienced with a terminal illness. Nurses will relay information about symptom management to nurse practitioners and doctors if anything needs to be changed.
- Patient advocacy. Because hospice nurses spend so much time with their patients, they are great advocates for their needs and wishes. Nurses work closely with the patient’s family and the care team to ensure that the patient’s needs and wishes are always respected.
- Pain management. Managing pain is a core goal of hospice care, and nurses can make sure medication is administered, facilitate the delivery of durable medical equipment, and arrange physical therapy and other complementary therapies.
Support for families
Our hospice nurses don’t just take care of our patients but also their families. They can provide support, connect them to resources, and educate families on how to cope with the end-of-life stage of their loved one.
Not sure if hospice is the right choice? Review our hospice eligibility criteria to find out if your loved one qualifies.
Ready to refer a patient? Submit a hospice referral here.
