What It's Like to be a Hospice Nurse

Suzi Oliver, RN • May 16, 2025

National Nurses Week 2025 is celebrated from May 6th to May 12th. This week-long celebration recognizes and honors the contributions of nurses, who are the heart and soul of healthcare. It also serves as a time for appreciation, support, and recognition of nurses' dedication and commitment to patient care. As a recognition to our nurses, we asked a long time Hospice Nurse for a day in the life describing how valuable our nurses are. 

 Thirty-one years is a long time to stay in one profession—unless that profession happens to be your calling. For me, being a hospice nurse has never been just a job. It has been a lifelong passion, a privilege, and a profoundly meaningful journey.

 

When people find out that I’m a hospice nurse, their first reaction is often, “Wow, that must be so depressing.” But for me, it’s quite the opposite. It is deeply fulfilling. Hospice care is not about death—it’s about life, dignity, comfort, and love in the final chapter. It is an honor to walk alongside patients and families during such an intimate and vulnerable time, helping to ensure that the end of life is as comfortable and peaceful as possible.

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of hospice care is the ability to truly make a difference physically and emotionally. Whether it’s managing pain, easing symptoms, or simply holding someone’s hand, every small act carries enormous weight. Teaching families how to care for their loved one empowers them in a time when they may feel helpless. I often wonder how people face the end of life without hospice. The physical, emotional, and spiritual support we provide becomes a lifeline—and I’m so grateful to be part of that.

 

Hospice is not a solo endeavor; it is a team effort in every sense of the word. I thrive in that collaborative environment. Nurses, social workers, chaplains, aides, volunteers—we each bring something essential to the table. And our team blends seamlessly with the patient’s own support system, whether that includes family, friends, or caring neighbors. Together, we work to meet each patient's unique and often evolving needs. Patients or families frequently don’t realize what they need until we help them discover it. To witness their relief, comfort, and gratitude when those needs are met is indescribable.

 

I love people, and hospice allows me to meet some remarkable souls. Sometimes my visits are mostly social—we laugh, swap stories, and reflect. Other times, I’m there to teach, to reassure, or simply to listen. It’s incredibly gratifying to provide the guidance families need to confidently care for their loved one. For many, it’s their first experience with end-of-life care. I’ve heard repeatedly, “You told me this might happen, and because of that, I wasn’t scared, I knew what to do.” Knowledge brings peace, and being the one to offer that knowledge is a gift.

 

There are few professions where you hear the words “thank you” every single day—genuine, heartfelt thanks. And it’s not just from patients and families, but also from coworkers who recognize the emotional weight of our work. That kind of appreciation fuels my spirit.

 

Working part-time has allowed me to maintain balance in my life, preventing burnout and keeping my passion for this work alive. My family has always been incredibly supportive, not only of my career but also of my volunteer work in the community and with veterans. My faith has deepened over the years, as I’ve witnessed countless quiet miracles—moments of peace, reconciliation, love, and unexpected joy. Hospice keeps my heart grounded and reminds me daily of what truly matters: people, not things.

 

Of course, there have been hard days of loss, sadness, and emotional exhaustion. But every one of those moments has shaped me, taught me, and made me better prepared for the next patient and family I serve. Each life has left its mark on me, and I carry those lessons forward with gratitude.

 

Knowing that you’ve made a difference at one of life’s most sacred and vulnerable moments is the heart of hospice nursing. And I can’t imagine doing anything else.

 

Suzi C. Oliver, RN, has over 31 years of hospice nursing experience and 8 years as a hospice volunteer. A compassionate and dedicated nurse, she is skilled in all aspects of end-of-life care. She is a past recipient of the distinguished SC Hospice Founders Award for exceptional hospice nursing. Her unwavering commitment to patients and families inspires those she works with and cares for.

What it's like to be a Hospice CNA

By Sharonda Clark • June 13, 2025
One of my favorite quotes is from the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "If you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, keep moving forward." My name is Shoranda Clark, and this powerful quote has helped me get through some difficult moments in my career. I've been a hospice-certified nursing assistant for 29 years—21 years actively working as a CNA and eight years in an administrative role, all with Friends of Caroline. You might be wondering how someone can stay in this field for so long. In the beginning, besides a lot of crying and prayer, I came to recognize that this work is my calling. Some may find it depressing, but I find it deeply rewarding. It was especially challenging at the start of my career, particularly after losing my first patient. But over time, I realized that my patients were giving me something as meaningful as the care I gave them. Working with terminally ill patients helped put some perspective in my life because they shared their regrets and the things they wished they had done differently; Hearing their stories helped me appreciate my own life so much more. I would go home and hug my loved ones, telling them how much I love and appreciate them. Through this work, I became a better mom and wife. I've learned to live life with no regrets, and I'm truly grateful for each day God gives me. It is a blessing to be chosen to provide physical and emotional care to someone at the end of life. I once had a patient who refused to let her family bathe her. Several of my fellow CNAs tried, but she still declined. She went almost two months without bathing. When it was my turn to visit her, we simply talked. I learned that Yahtzee was her favorite game. So, I made a deal with her: after her bed bath, we'd play a game of Yahtzee. She agreed. That became our morning ritual—a bed bath, a cup of cappuccino, and a game of Yahtzee. Week after week, we had so much fun. As her health declined and she could no longer roll the dice, I rolled them for her. We kept playing because it brought her joy. We continued this routine until her last week. I truly believe this small gesture brought light into her life. She looked forward to it, and I'm grateful I could help comfort her and her family. Not every case is like that one. Sometimes, the dying process is difficult to witness, so knowing when to take time for yourself is important. Having a healthy work-life balance is essential. Over the years, I've worked with some amazing CNAs who are passionate about their work. One of my fellow CNAs once volunteered to help a patient pull weeds from her garden—not part of her job, but she did it because the patient loved her garden. When you love what you do, it's easy to provide compassionate, hands-on care and emotional support, all while enhancing a patient's quality of life. I could tell you countless stories about how extraordinary hospice CNAs are. But great patient care takes more than just individual effort—it takes a team. Our team includes a skilled medical director, nurse practitioners, nurses, a social worker, a chaplain, and volunteers. CNAs often spend the most time with the patient, and we work closely with nurses to act as a bridge between patients, families, and the care team, ensuring everyone is aligned on the patient's needs. It's heartwarming when someone stops to thank you after learning you work in hospice. Some may view our work as sad or depressing, but I see it differently. I believe it's an honor to help someone cross over with dignity. In 29 years, I've learned so much through each case, and I often share those lessons with my fellow CNAs. If I had the chance to change anything about my career, I wouldn't. Serving our community has been both an honor and a privilege, and I look forward to the next chapter with our amazing team at Friends of Caroline.

The Importance of Advance Care Planning

By LaNelle Fabian • April 11, 2025
National Healthcare Decision Day is April 16. We encourage you to take the time to review and update your Advance Directives and if you don’t have any in place we recommend Five Wishes as a tool to aid in the process.

Caring for the Caregiver: Recognizing and Addressing Caregiver Fatigue

By Rachel Cox, LMSW • March 27, 2025
Caregiving is a profound expression of love and commitment, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. Those caring for a loved one with a serious illness often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, neglecting their own well-being in the process. Over time, this can lead to caregiver fatigue—an overwhelming state of exhaustion that affects both mental and physical health. Recognizing Caregiver Fatigue Caregiver fatigue, also referred to as burnout, results from prolonged stress and emotional strain. Common symptoms include: Persistent physical exhaustion despite rest Emotional distress, anxiety, or hopelessness Increased irritability or frustration Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Sleep disturbances Withdrawal from social interactions Feelings of guilt or inadequacy Left unchecked, these symptoms can impact not only the caregiver’s well-being but also their ability to provide quality care to their loved one. It is essential for caregivers to recognize these signs early and seek support before fatigue leads to more severe health complications. The Importance of Respite Care Respite care is a crucial service that offers temporary relief to caregivers, allowing them time to rest and recharge while ensuring their loved one receives quality care. At Friends of Caroline, we recognize the immense dedication of caregivers and the importance of providing them with the support they need. Caroline’s Cottage, our inpatient hospice facility, offers respite care designed to give caregivers a well-deserved break without worry. How Caroline’s Cottage Supports Caregivers Caroline’s Cottage provides short-term stays for hospice patients, allowing their caregivers time to focus on their own well-being. These respite stays offer caregivers an opportunity to: Take a break from caregiving duties Attend to personal and professional commitments Engage in self-care and relaxation Prevent burnout and maintain overall health While at Caroline’s Cottage, patients receive round-the-clock compassionate care from our experienced team. Caregivers can step away with confidence, knowing their loved ones are in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. Taking Care of Yourself Caring for others begins with self-care. Taking breaks is not an act of selfishness; it is an essential part of sustaining the ability to provide loving and effective care. If you or someone you know is experiencing caregiver fatigue, consider exploring respite care options. For more information on respite care at Caroline’s Cottage, contact Friends of Caroline today. Let us support you as you continue to provide the best possible care for your loved one.