01/04/2025
After 22 years, today is my last day as a hospice nurse. This role has shaped who I am, teaching me to appreciate life and inspiring me to live with an open heart. I’ve seen many posts about lessons from hospice nurses, so here are mine—based on my personal experience.
1. You don’t become a wise sage on your deathbed. If you were unkind or racist in life, that’s likely how you’ll be at the end.
2. Family isn’t always the caregiver. Many neighbors, ex-spouses, or coworkers end up caring for people with no family to be found.
3. “No one says they wish they worked more” is not always true. People find peace in following their passions, even if it meant working over family time. I had a patient, a Southern lady, proud of her fashion, who wanted to talk about her wardrobe on her final day. I made sure she passed with perfect red lipstick.
4. Be prepared. Even young people should set up a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) with clear medical, financial, and burial plans. It’s the best gift you can give your loved ones.
5. Medical aid in dying is profound. In California, we’re lucky to have the right to die on our own terms. It’s a powerful and beautiful choice that prevents unnecessary pain. ————————Continued in comments
