Why work in hospice care? If you’re exploring the possibility of a career in hospice care, you might question the value you can add to someone’s life or be concerned about not using your skill set at a high level. Oftentimes, people focus primarily on the fact that hospice does not revolve around seeking an improved health outcome, and they fail to realize that the hospice team still have outcomes to achieve – they just are viewed in a different light. Instead of seeking aggressive treatment, testing, and medication regimens, hospice focuses on helping people experience a higher quality of life by addressing not only physical needs but also emotional and spiritual needs. A hospice team treats the patient and family as a whole, and their job is to bring a high level of care and expertise to people’s homes so each person can have a peaceful and comfortable final journey.
To better understand why one might choose to work in this important field of health care, scroll down for more answers to the question, “Why work in hospice care?”
Why Work in Hospice Care?
There are many reasons people are inspired to consider working in hospice. It may be because a person has watched someone they love benefit from hospice care. Others may recognize their natural gift is to help people who need a great deal of compassion, support, and care. Hospice is a very special field to be a part of, and there are multiple reasons why so many people choose to work in hospice care and truly enjoy their work.
It’s personal.
In a standard medical setting, the focus is typically on treating a singular symptom, injury, or illness. In hospice care, the focus is on treating the person as a whole and improving their quality of life through comfort measures. While some people believe modern medicine is growing increasingly impersonal, hospice care centers around supporting an individual and working with others to meet the patient’s unique physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The human element takes center stage, so working in hospice care can be rewarding for professionals who value the chance to make real connections with patients and their families.
It’s challenging.
People who work in hospice understand they will say goodbye to each person they serve. Hospice is a special part of a person’s journey, and the hospice team will care for each patient until they breathe their last breath. Because of the changing needs of hospice patients, communication, patience, and compassion are vital traits to possess as a hospice professional. Not every person is designed to work with hospice patients. However, if you’re heart’s desire is to work with patients and families as they embark on this precious and sometimes challenging journey, your support, knowledge, and compassion will bless each patient you meet.
Related Post: Hospice Care: Comforting Terminally Ill Patients
It’s emotionally rewarding.
Being able to partner with patients and families during their final stages of life is extremely rewarding. Hospice professionals are invited to participate in one of the most private times in a person’s life. Oftentimes, hospice teams are able to witness family’s relationships improve and grow stronger, final wishes be granted, and help provide reassurance and reinforcement of spiritual beliefs. What greater gift is there than helping someone approach their final days with joy, peace, and dignity? It is a true honor to work in the hospice field.
It’s a field with many job opportunities.
It’s no secret that the number of Americans who will need home care services is increasing, as our baby boomer population approaches the time of life when health concerns often present themselves. With a growing aging population, the demand for hospice care is expected to increase, which means that job opportunities in the field will increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of hospice care positions to rise in the next decade (source). The security of a steady, in-demand job can certainly make working in hospice care an option worth considering.
Would You Like to Work in Hospice Care?
The hospice care field is comprised of individuals with a myriad of backgrounds, educations, and experiences. There are several different roles that comprise the hospice team and specific requirements for each one.
However, there are certain qualities that all people working in hospice care need to possess. These include the following:
- Positive attitude
- Servant’s heart
- Strong communication skills
- Patience
- Willingness to listen
- Compassion
Would a career in hospice care be a good fit for you? If you’re interested in learning more, contact Phoenix Home Care & Hospice today. We are committed to improving the quality of life of the people we serve. If you’re interested in joining our team of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals, visit our Career Center and explore our current job openings. We look forward to hearing from you!
