What It’s Like to Be a Hospice Nurse
story by SUZI C. OLIVER, RN
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.
About the Author:
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.
