Are there any hospice nurses who would mind if I sort of pick their brain? I’m starting nursing school next month. Have been working as a CNA for the past 6 months in LTC and SNF. I have felt “drawn” to the residents on hospice care and I feel like it’s a calling at this point for me.

I don’t want someone to come here and say “don’t do hospice, it’s sad, emotionally taxing, it sucks, etc.” I know it is not a glamorous field and I know it takes a certain kind of person. I don’t need to be reminded of the negative parts. I just have some questions that I would like genuine answers to. I’ll put them below, but again, please don’t feel the need to remind me of the negative and if you hate the job, move on please.

1. What is a “day in the life” like. Is it truly different day to day?

2. How do you decompress? What is home life like?

3. Do you cry with your patients’ families? Is that “acceptable” or are you supposed to be strong and not really show emotion while with them?

4. Is hospice a good place for someone who is a major empath and has a very hard time holding back tears of joy or sadness?

I get teary eyed just thinking about working in hospice and how I imagine things go. I feel “called” to it but with how emotional I can be, I’m not sure if it’s the right thing or not.