Bank work in a hospice - tips please

[DominoDaancing]

Hello,

I am starting my training to be able to do some bank work at a local hospice. This will be alongside by regular job, which is nothing like this kind of work.

I have always wished I trained as a nurse, hence looking for some experience in a healthcare role.

I'm looking forward to it but also aware of the challenges that will come with this type of work.

I am quite an emotional person sometimes and I am slightly worried about letting my emotions show, in sad situations, as I am sure that is neither helpful or appropriate. Does anyone have any tips for how to deal with this if I feel myself becoming emotional?

Sorry if this is a bit silly, but I walked into a sad situation (not to do with me but something I witnesses) this week and it took some effort to keep control.

Many thanks!

I have done the odd bank shift in a hospice , I have also dealt with terminally ill patients .

Honestly what they want is honesty - death is not a closed subject , it’s going to happen to all of us but they have a shortened conversation .

You will be dealing with death supporting families , making a lot of tea when I did it but it was a long while ago .. Depending how often you do it so patients will really stick with you .

I did my nurse training about 40 years ago . I still remember a couple of patients who died whilst on shift as a student nurse .

I am no longer nursing so things will have changed , your focus has to be on making those patients as comfortable as possible and listen a lot .

In all kindness- just realise it’s not about you. You’re a side note not a main player in their story. So keep that awareness of just being in the background. Be polite but not intrusive. Do your job and be kind and helpful but don’t share personal stuff nor ask it.
Boundaries are essential in this line of work for your safety and theirs.

@fourelementary that makes sense. I will remember that for sure. I think that's kind of what I'm a little worried about, in that it's not about me at all, I'm there to do a job - but I'm just worried about being able to keep control (I suppose not get a bit teary) when I see very sad and upset families.

@Starlightstarbright4 thank you for the insight, that's really helpful. Hopefully I will be able to support and just be helpful. I have quite a lot of training shifts so hopefully that will help too.

I haven't worked in a hospice, but used to work in A&E and wards many years ago, so have cared for the dying and dead.

What training will you be given? If we didn't sometimes feel upset, then we aren't human IMO. I found that once the uniform was on, then the professional person took over. Yes, situations were upsetting, but you sort of switch off and don't show it till later in private.

Always talk to the patient, even after death. 'Mr Smith, we are going to roll you now.' 'Jenny, I'm going to brush your hair' etc. It always felt more natural that a completely, silent room.

Edited to say, don't be afraid to speak to more experience staff/management if you need 5mins in the garden or to debrief and talk about a situation which you found upsetting. Many will have years of experience and also have tactics to help.

Thank you @Darkclothes that's really useful information. I do have quite a lot of training. Firstly an office based induction and then 7 shifts where I am training and observing, plus various courses too, so I do feel like I'll be well prepared and the company are well thought of.

I'm really looking forward to it - just hope I'm good at it!!

Op, it sounds like a very interesting job and I wish you all the very best going forward.

@Weepixie thank you that's very kind. I'm hoping it's something I enjoy and can perhaps do more of in the future, as I get older and perhaps want to move away from my regular job. Fingers crossed! I start the training next week.

There will be some sort of mentoring/ supervision/ debriefing in place to support staff in such an environment- ask about it during your training.

I have worked as a nurse in two hospices.
Also , I cry easily.
I didn’t used to cry as I was busy with the patients.
I had to wipe my eyes a few times, especially if they had small children.
You also don’t really know the person so it’s not like a personal loss.
It was a very satisfying job to give people a good death.