Our All-Consuming Work

One of my former social worker colleagues, Faith once told me that hospice is “all-consuming.”

I wondered how she balanced work and everything else in her life. She was a mother juggling so many responsibilities. I don’t know how she did it. She always seemed in constant motion—going here and there. Her daughters were involved in ballet, piano, violin, and active in church activities.

As a full-time hospice nurse, work can be all-consuming… if you allow it to be.

I had a family too, involved with church activities and Home and School events (as my husband was the principal of a small Christian school). Even though it felt impossible at times as a new hospice nurse, I found strength to keep going—praying and asking God for His help.

But some days… it was just too much.

I was trying so hard to make everything work.

It takes deliberate intention to slow things down.

And as a hospice nurse, I want to encourage you to do just that.

Make time for yourself.

Make time for your family.

Don’t allow your work and your patients to take every bit of strength and energy you have.

Save some for them—while you can.

Save some for your own rest and recovery.

As sacred as hospice work is, your health and your family matter deeply.

Your work will always be there.

I share this because, in the beginning, I allowed my work to become all-consuming.And over time, it drained me to the point of burnout.

I don’t want that to happen to you.

This is one of the most important things I want you to know as a hospice nurse:

Be intentional about making time for yourself and your family. You can’t get those years back.

And caring for yourself is not optional—it is essential.

An Affirmation for You

I am allowed to care deeply without giving all of myself away.

My presence is enough, and I honor my need for rest and balance.

Self-Care Tip

Choose one small boundary today.

It could be:

• Actually taking your lunch break

• Saying, “I’m sorry, I’m not able to do that right now,” when something unexpected is asked of you

• Noticing your anxiety level when you have too much on your plate—and giving yourself permission to pause

Even one small act of protecting your time and energy is a step toward sustainability.

#hospicenurse #palliativecare #nurseburnout #selfcarefornurses #boundariesmatter #nursewellbeing #worklifebalance #nurseencouragement