112 Questions to Ask a Hospice Nurse

As you face the prospect of hospice care after a terminal illness diagnosis, understanding the full breadth of support available is essential. Hospice nurses are invaluable in providing comprehensive care that caters to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients and their families.

If you find yourself with questions and seeking guidance, this list aims to clarify and prepare you for the journey ahead, ensuring care that respects the dignity and individual needs of your loved one. Here’s a starting point to find the answers you need.

Hospice Services Clarification

1. What specific services does your hospice program provide?
2. Can hospice care be provided at home, or is it limited to certain facilities?
3. How does hospice care address the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient?
4. What roles do volunteers play in your hospice care?
5. Is the family provided with educational resources about the hospice process?
6. How does hospice care differ from other types of medical care?
7. Are there alternative therapies available through your hospice service?
8. What happens if there’s a medical emergency?
9. Are your hospice care services covered by insurance or Medicare?
10. How do you ensure the cultural and personal values of the patient are respected?
11. What kind of end-of-life care training does your staff have?
12. How does hospice care handle the patient’s privacy and confidentiality?
13. Are there hospice services available for patients with specific illnesses like dementia?
14. How does hospice intervene in case of severe pain or other troubling symptoms?
15. Can hospice care accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?
16. What measures are in place to ensure quality care and patient safety?

Personal Care Planning

1. How is the care plan personalized to each patient’s needs and preferences?
2. What is your process for setting goals of care with the patient and family?
3. How often are care plans reviewed and adjusted?
4. Who will be involved in creating the patient’s care plan?
5. Can the family provide input on the care plan?
6. What steps are taken when a patient’s health condition changes?
7. How do you assess the patient’s pain and comfort levels?
8. Will there be a primary nurse assigned to the patient?
9. Are there options for respite care for family caregivers?
10. How do you accommodate the patient’s past hobbies and interests in their care plan?
11. What is the protocol for administering medication?
12. How do you involve the patient in decisions regarding their care?
13. Does the care plan include nutritional guidance?
14. How is the continuity of care guaranteed if there’s a shift change?
15. What kind of support is provided for complex symptom management?
16. Are there psychosocial assessments included in the personal care planning?

Symptom and Comfort Management

1. How do you approach pain management within hospice care?
2. What methods are used to manage symptoms other than medication?
3. How frequently is the patient monitored for comfort level changes?
4. Can the family be taught to help manage symptoms?
5. What is the response time if there is a sudden onset of severe pain?
6. Are there specific strategies for managing common end-of-life symptoms?
7. How is medication adjusted in response to changing symptoms?
8. Do you offer holistic or complementary services such as massage or acupuncture?
9. How do you handle side effects from pain medications?
10. Is there support available for managing anxiety and agitation?
11. What resources are available for addressing shortness of breath?
12. Can symptom management include adjusting the room environment?
13. How are non-pain symptoms like nausea and loss of appetite managed?
14. What emergency procedures are in place for acute symptom escalation?
15. How are family members educated about symptom management?
16. Can the patient’s feedback modify the symptom management plan?

Team Coordination and Timing

1. Who will be the main point of contact for our family within the hospice team?
2. How often will the hospice team visit the patient?
3. How is information shared between different team members?
4. What are the usual working hours for hospice staff, and is there an on-call system?
5. How are holidays and weekends handled for care?
6. If the primary nurse is unavailable, who will step in to provide care?
7. How is care coordinated if we have services from outside the hospice team?
8. What is the standard procedure for scheduling routine visits?
9. Is there a protocol for unexpected changes in the patient’s condition?
10. How is the family kept informed about care and team member changes?
11. How far in advance are appointments or visits scheduled, and can they be flexible?
12. How are shifts handled to ensure there is no gap in care?
13. Can family meetings be arranged to discuss care progress with the team?
14. How can a family request additional support if needed?
15. What is the chain of command if there is a concern regarding the patient’s care?
16. How does the hospice team assist with planning for potential hospitalization?

Emotional and Bereavement Support

1. What kind of emotional support services do you offer to patients and families?
2. How soon after death does bereavement support begin?
3. Are individual counseling or support groups available through hospice?
4. How do you help families cope with the stress of caregiving?
5. What strategies do you use to support a patient’s mental well-being?
6. How do you address feelings of guilt or helplessness that family members might experience?
7. Is spiritual support provided regardless of religious affiliation?
8. How are children in the family supported through the hospice experience?
9. Can you provide resources for dealing with grief and loss?
10. What is the duration of available bereavement services post-hospice care?
11. How are important dates like anniversaries and birthdays acknowledged in the context of grief?
12. Is there assistance available for end-of-life planning from an emotional perspective?
13. How do you support the family’s transition after the patient’s death?
14. How do you respect and incorporate the family’s cultural practices in bereavement support?
15. What community resources for ongoing support can you recommend?
16. How are interpersonal conflicts within the family addressed during hospice care?

Daily Care Logistics

1. How are daily activities like bathing and feeding managed by hospice care?
2. What assistance is available for mobility and transferring the patient?
3. How does the hospice team help in managing the patient’s personal hygiene?
4. Are laundry and housekeeping services part of the hospice care plan?
5. Can the hospice team aid with meal planning and preparation?
6. What logistical support is offered for acquiring medical equipment?
7. How flexible is the daily care routine to accommodate the patient’s preferences?
8. Can hospice staff help administer medications on a fixed schedule?
9. What support is available for caring for a patient overnight?
10. How do you ensure that the patient’s living space is safe and comfortable?
11. What is the protocol for reporting and managing any falls or accidents?
12. How is the family educated on using medical equipment at home?
13. Are there guidelines for managing a patient’s personal affairs, such as mail or phone calls?
14. How do you assist in coordinating external services such as pharmacy or therapy visits?
15. Can hospice provide transportation assistance for medical appointments?
16. How are last-minute or urgent care needs handled on a daily basis?

Trust and Communication

1. How do you establish a trusting relationship with new patients and families?
2. What is your policy on communication frequency and methods with the family?
3. How is sensitive information conveyed to the patient and family?
4. Can family members have private consultations with hospice staff?
5. How is patient and family feedback incorporated into care?
6. How do you approach difficult discussions about prognosis and end-of-life decisions?
7. What measures are in place to resolve any potential conflicts or complaints?
8. How transparent is the reporting on the patient’s condition?
9. Are there specific times arranged for family updates, or are they ongoing?
10. How do you ensure that all family members are equally informed?
11. How is a patient’s dignity maintained throughout communication and care?
12. What training do hospice staff have in compassionate communication?
13. How do you handle language barriers or the need for translation services?
14. Can you describe a time when you had to build trust with a hesitant family?
15. How do you manage communication between different healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care?
16. How are changes in the patient’s prognosis shared and discussed with the patient and family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

In closing, the questions you ask hospice nurses are vital in choosing the highest quality of care in these meaningful moments. Your inquiries will guide you to a hospice provider you fully trust to deliver comfort and support, ensuring you and your loved one receive compassionate and proficient care. This foundation of comfort and trust is what fosters the best possible experience during the precious time in hospice care.