Beyond Nursing: The Many Roles That Support Great Hospice Care
- Hospice of the Fisher Home
- Mar 5
- 3 min read
When you think of the jobs in a hospice care setting, your mind probably goes straight to nurses. If you are not familiar with hospice, it can be difficult to know all of the jobs that are needed for excellent care. While nursing is a super vital part of hospice, there is a whole network of professionals and volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure patients and their families receive comprehensive support. Each role plays a unique part in creating a compassionate, supportive environment during one of life's most challenging times.
So, who works in a hospice? And what do they do?
If you want to learn more about hospice care and upcoming events that we are hosting, subscribe to our mailing list
Volunteers
"We cannot change the outcome, but we can affect the journey," Ann Richardson.
Volunteers are the heart of hospice care, offering their time and presence to support both patients and families. They may:
provide companionship
run errands
assist with administrative tasks
play music
offer healing arts
or simply lend a listening ear
Some volunteers have special skills, such as massage therapy or music, which they share to bring comfort to patients. Learn more about volunteering at Hospice of the Fisher Home here.
To support our nonprofit hospice, consider donating today.
Hospice Board Members
“Being on the Board of Hospice of the Fisher Home is my highest priority and my way of giving back for the service that my family and I received during my mother's last weeks of life." – Anita Sarro, Board Chair, Hospice of the Fisher Home
Hospice board members help guide the organization's mission and strategic direction. They bring diverse professional backgrounds and community connections, offering oversight and support for decision-making, fundraising efforts, and long-term planning. As Anita’s quote shows, hospice board members have a passion for the organization that they are helping – sometimes one that connects directly to the care of a loved one.
Meet the rest of our Board here.
Administrative Staff
Behind every hospice is a dedicated team of administrative staff who handle scheduling, medical records, insurance paperwork, and communication with families. Their work ensures that operations run smoothly and that patients receive timely, organized care. These are the people you talk to on the phone during the admissions process and they come together to help support the mission of hospice.
Bereavement Counselors
Grief doesn't end when a loved one passes away. Bereavement counselors provide emotional support to families before and after a loss, offering individual counseling, support groups, and educational resources to help navigate grief.
According to research, bereavement counseling can significantly reduce grief symptoms and improve coping mechanisms for bereaved individuals. Some studies show those who receive bereavement counseling often report decreased levels of depression, anxiety, and overall distress compared to those who do not receive support.
Spiritual Leaders
For many, spiritual care is an important part of the end-of-life journey. Chaplains and other spiritual leaders offer prayers, counseling, and emotional support tailored to each individual's beliefs and traditions.
Doctors
Hospice doctors work closely with the care team to manage pain and symptoms, ensuring patients receive the best possible quality of life. They provide medical expertise while also offering compassion and reassurance to patients and families.
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
“Hospice nursing is not depressing, it is a joy to help someone live with the best quality of life they can have for as long as they have.” - Susan De Lisle, RN, Hospice of the Fisher Home
Finally, let’s talk about what nurses do. You know that they are experts on the clinical side. However, RNs and CNAs their work extends beyond medical care. They provide emotional support to families, educate caregivers, and act as liaisons between doctors, patients, and families to ensure everyone understands the care plan.
A Team Effort
Every role within hospice care contributes to the greater mission of supporting patients and families through life's final chapter. By working together, this diverse team creates a holistic care experience that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Whether behind the scenes or at the bedside, each person plays a critical part in helping families find comfort, dignity, and peace in difficult times.
If you are in the Western Massachusetts area and have a loved one who requires hospice care, Hospice of the Fisher Home provides both in-residence or at-home (or wherever you reside) care through our community program. Contact us to find out more.
Keep up to date with Hospice of the Fisher Home by joining our mailing list or following us on Facebook and Instagram!
Comments