Hospice Experiences

[Slim D]

Hi, I'm new here and I'm just completing my Reflexology exams.

I am thinking about volunteering for work in a Hospice. My reservations mainly surround my ability (or inability) to deal with, what must be, a harrowing environment - or should it be seen as such?

My father died of cancer about 15 years ago and whilst that was the saddest time of my life, and these may be the feelings that will become evoked, the people who surrounded him at that time; nurses, doctors, carers, were all very special people and I would like to be as strong as those people in helping others.

Have any of you worked in a hospice, if so how did you find it. Do you have any advice, thoughts, comments? I realise it's down to the individual butI would just like to hear others' experiences if you would be kind enough to share them.

Thank you.

 

[Hal Kudhugh]

Hi Cedar
Welcome to the forums.

Have only a little experience in this area myself and that was several years ago - shortly after I qualified.

Can only say that in my experience it was certainly not harrowing, the nurses and care staff certainly avoid such atmospheres. In fact you can expect it to be amongst the most rewarding, fulfilling and humbling work you may do.That is not to say you might not occasionally feel like a good weep in the car on the way home afterwards, but hey that can happen with a normal client that may come to you.
I seem to call that I kept telling myself on the first visit that I was there to be and act as a professional and yes sure I had butterflies in the tummy. Once you are there and the staff meet you as you say they are all special people and you forget your worries and concerns.
Hope that helps a little.
My advice is go for it.

 

[LD50]

Hello Cedar

Can you phone the hospice and have a chat about what you've been thinking? Have a visit and speak to someone there? That will probably give you a bit of a feel for the place and may help you decide if it's for you. There is no shame however if you do realise that emotionally or in other ways you're not up to it or just don't want to take it further. I had the opportunity to be involved with a local cancer organisation, and I realised that it was just too close to home for me (I have had cancer). I was trying to force myself into a situation that ultimately wasn't right for me, and ended up quite unhappy and stressed about the whole thing. In the end it was a great relief to walk away. So, be good to yourself and only do it if it feels right for you.

 

[fatbastard_61]

At the hospice where I volunteer we have a councellor that gives monthly sessions to all volunteers (all sorts of coping mechanisms etc. etc.) and then talks to individuals or small groups as the need arises. Even talking to another volunteer or a nurse can do wonders when you need to talk to release some emotions or worries. I agree that the people you meet in the hospice are usually such lovely, caring people that it is a lovely warm and goodplace to be. But yep - keep a box of tissues in the car.

It is a wonderful experience and I think you can gainsuch alotfrom doing volunteering (whether in a hospice or something else) that we should all be putting a bit more time into volunteering. However, as At One says - if it is not right for you - step away and be good to yourself.

 

[MichaelInScarborough]

Thank you for your replies, they're most helpful and have given me the push i need even just to approach the Hospice and as you say have a chat. I was thinking that the families of cancer patients could do with being listened to and offered treatments to keep them strong too. And what about the carers, who cares for carers?

It's certainly given me something to look into.

Thanks again.

 

[Dale]

The 'hospice' where I volunteer is a uniue one - it is run as a drop in centre for therapies. There is no charge for patients as the centre is run on money from the Big Lottery Fund, money from the NHS and donations. The patient and their closest family members or carers can all have treatment - this being a more holistic approach as it is as important that those people are well. I also think it is one thing that they can share with the patient - with all the treatments etc. it is nice that one might have aromatherapy or reflexology and they have something non medical to talk about. Our centre has a more homey atmosphere and not a clinical setting. In our centre we thus also have an evening where carers can meet and discuss things, meet with the coucillor etc. I think it isas important that the carers - whether family or not, get as much support as the patient.

People love the open door policy at the centre and often the patients or their carers pop in for a cup of coffee (the table in the kitchen always has people around it and it has a lovely atmosphere) or to bring volunteers something home baked when they are in the facinity or just had a hard hour shopping. I think carers and patients much appreciate this - somewhere where they can feel 'normal' but still share with people who are going through the same experience.

Wish you luck when you approach them - do keep us up to date.

 

[Dr House is in the house.]

I have been asked to do reflexology in a hospice, i have not done this before and am nervourse, i really think i would love it as thats what are terpies are there for to help.
But would love advise? is there any books ect on refexology in hospices ect?
thanks

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hello, this is slightly different but it’s to do with death and dying. I worked many years ago as a bereavement counsellor with CRUSE. It was very painful work at times but it was also very rewarding. I learned a great deal about myself and others and felt very privileged to be able to help people who were bereaved.
It’s a big commitment though, it means being there sometimes when it’s very hard to be there, it means acknowledging your own vulnerability and things that you thought you had dealt with will come up. However a Hospice environment should be very special and supportive, death is much as much a part of life in this environment as birth. I had regular sessions of supervision to support my work within Cruse, its very important not to feel isolated and to acknowledge your own feelings when they arise. It also helps to learn how to leave the work at the door too when you leave. There's a balance there that you'll learn.
It’s a different focus to normal treatments because there may not be the usual potential outcome of 'physical' healing but the work that you do may make a great deal of difference to your clients and there will be healing on many levels.
So it may be painful at times but the compassion and love that may lead you to your decision may be very strong and it may be this that will see you through
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