When public interest was first generated by the notion of living while dying, I was intrigued. The idea of death as a continuum of life as proposed by leaders of the Hospice Movement, had a philosophical interest which sparked a yearning in me to be of service in a meaningful way.
As a bank teller, I began an acquaintance which would influence me profoundly for the rest of my life. As this Hospice Registered Nurse would conduct business, she helped me begin to understand the concept of Hospice. She also conveyed what it meant to have such a privilege; to help both patient and families to have a meaningful dying experience. She exemplified and role modeled my beginning belief system of what a nurse should be, inspiring me to become a Registered Nurse. What is more important and meaningful to me is that she encouraged me to become a Hospice Nurse.
All this 19 years ago. Today as a Hospice nurse, am continually humbled at the privilege of assisting at such a profound time that we as human beings will all one day experience. Karen, RN,BSN/ Jacksonville, Florida, USA