Many Are Called...

"For Many are Called, But Few Are Chosen"
Matthew 22:14

The above title summarizes my journey to Hospice work in 2007. I am a 53 year old LPN from Iowa, who had worked as a Charge Nurse in a Nursing Home for 27 years prior to coming to a Hospice career.

I have always been afflicted with "caretaker syndrome" and have had a special affinity for those taking their final journey in life. I was not actively seeking a career change, but Hospice found me. I received a phone call from a previous co-worker,about a Hospice opening and knew at my interview with Hospice that I was being "called".

The blessings of touching the lives of those who valiantly face life's final days and months is immeasurable. Hospice work is a gift, and you can never "out-give" what you receive. I am daily inspired by those who entrust me with their cares as they battle physical and emotional issues with end of life care.

Rarely does a visit go by that they don't make me laugh, cry or both during my time. They have taught me that life is to be lives as it it, not how you want it to be.

I have over the years, in long term care, witnessed hundreds of souls cross to worlds unknown regardless of their beliefs, religion or convictions, and am now blessed to do so with my Hospice patients. When a Hospice team of Social Workers, Nurses, Chaplains, Music and Massage Therapists come together with a common goal of allowing each patient to make their own choices regarding end of life care, it is amazing.

Hospice work at times is challenging, and like any nursing work, you need to take time to "recharge". Even though every patient or family isn't always compliant, often the differences you make are unwitnessed. It is truly a "gift" to see the faces of those whom lives you touch. My advice for anyone looking towards a Hospice career is to truly search within themselves to see if they possess a Hospice "heart" because if you do, and if Hospice finds you, your life will never be the same. You will touch people and their families at their most vulnerable point and it takes a special someone to open your hearts to them.

My personal journey has allowed me the ability to care for my grandmothers, father and mother at life's end, and to help them be free of physical, emotional pain. They were surrounded by the people and things they loved and this brought me great peace. It is my wish to bring those gifts to everyone I touch daily. I was chosen.