Who are Last Responders?

  — Tales from a Hospice Nurse

“Last Responders are those who walk alongside people and their families on the Hospice Journey.” 

Last Responders  (AKA The Team) are individuals who provide support and guidance to those who are on the Hospice Journey. This journey refers to the path taken by individuals with a terminal illness who qualify for Hospice services. Typically, patients with a prognosis of 6 months or less are eligible for these services. The Hospice Journey is a difficult and emotional time for both patients and their families, and the Last Responders play a crucial role in helping them through it. These responders include social workers, chaplains, nurses, home health aids, volunteers, doulas, bereavement coordinators, and physicians, who work together as a team to provide comprehensive care and support. You’ve heard the phrase, “it takes a village”?

Hospice nurses provide comprehensive support by identifying medical and emotional needs, advocating for comfort/care, and even helping to oversee the journey. Hospice nurses are responsible for bringing patients to hospice and pronouncing death. Hospice nurses often wear many hats along the journey and work closely with The Team. Hospice nurses may be in different roles such as case management, leadership/administration, and On-call. Over the last 5 years, I have enjoyed working in different roles. I was a case manager for most of my hospice career. I really enjoyed this role but struggled a lot with work-life balance. I eventually became a full-time on-call nurse. I also really liked this role but found the hours to be a challenge. I worked 48 hours shifts every other weekend plus several nights a week. Some nights, I slept while others were non-stop. I pronounced so many more people on-call vs case management, that I started referring to myself as a Last Responder. I eventually concluded that each Hospice Team member is a Last Responder because they walk that journey to the end with each patient and their family.

Check out hacks for Hospice Nurses and don't forget to get your Last Responder T-shirt! 

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WRITTEN BY-------- Brittany McClain, RN