Hospice nurse Donna Pritchett, RN, shares love of hospice nursing

Hospice nurses have often said that hospice is a tradition of caring that allows them to truly utilize their skills in tending to their patients. That is why Donna Pritchett, RN, of Dover, was drawn to a career as a Delaware Hospice nurse and has found it to be the best job she's ever had.

Pritchett joined Delaware Hospice seven years ago and discovered the rewarding career of hospice nursing.  Born and raised in Dover, she followed in her mother’s and grandmother’s footsteps to become a nurse. She said, “There was never a question in my mind that I would be a nurse.”

Upon earning her nursing degree from Delaware State University, Pritchett worked in a nursing home, then moved to a hospital setting and then to a home care agency. She said, “I realized that home care was what I enjoyed the most. In the hospital setting, I felt unable to meet patients’ needs. I remember a patient asked me for water once when I was a new nurse. An hour later I went back to the room and realized that I had forgotten the water. I felt so bad and disappointed that I couldn’t spend quality time with the patients.”

“I decided to investigate hospice nursing, where home care is the primary focus. I walked into Delaware Hospice’s Dover office to ask if there were any openings, filled out an application and was hired immediately.”

Seven years later, Pritchett still loves being a Delaware Hospice nurse. “People are usually at a very difficult time in their lives, and you can make such a difference. I appreciate being able to educate the family or caregivers, teaching them signs and symptoms of the disease progression, helping to manage pain and other symptoms, relieving the family’s anxiety - whatever is needed in that home situation," she explained.

"You might see a family with unresolved conflicts which need to be addressed in order for them to close that chapter of their lives. We often become advocates for our patients with physicians, helping to communicate their unique needs and preferences," she said.

Although a multidisciplinary team including chaplains and social workers provides hospice care and support, nurses sometimes find themselves taking on another role. Pritchett said, “I remember a patient recently had great anxiety which was clearly affecting his quality of life. We had a conversation about it, and discovered he had never forgiven himself for past behavior, for which his family had forgiven him long ago. We agreed that he needed to forgive himself. His daughter later told me that he was much more at peace when he passed away shortly after that conversation.”

She said, “Those are the things that touch your heart, and you know you’ve made a difference.”

Another fond memory was a gentleman who refused to talk to anyone and kept the covers over his head. Pritchett continued to visit, talk with him where he was, and do whatever she could. One day she went to the home and found him out of bed and out in his tool shed. Pritchett said, “When I told his daughter, she was thrilled, saying “I’ve got my Dad back!”

To Pritchett, it’s those little things that matter the most. And, she said, “They are more meaningful than the paycheck I receive. That positive feedback, and the patient’s and family’s gratitude for what we do make it all worthwhile.”

Since joining Delaware Hospice, Pritchett has lost several close family members. However, she finds it therapeutic to continue working with individuals with life-limiting illnesses.

When asked what she would tell others considering hospice nursing, Pritchett  said, “While there’s no question it can be emotional at times, I’ve never had a better or more rewarding job. We have a great group of people to work with and such a supportive environment. There’s no better feeling than when you can take someone who is struggling on their own with an end-of-life situation, and you are able to move them along the line over to accepting the reality, learning what they need to know and finding the support they need on the way.”

Skip Maxwell of Magnolia relies on Delaware Hospice to help him care for his wife, Pat. Maxwell worked for 50 years as an engineer and worked closely with Ross Perot for some time. He said, “Donna reminds me of Ross Perot. He was one of those guys who had great respect for people; you knew what was on his mind, he was detail-oriented, and he supported you. When Donna is here, I often feel like I’m back working for Ross Perot again."

Maxwell said, “We depend on her; we have a great respect for her, and we know we’re getting the best of everything from her and she gives us great moral support. Although she’s here to care for Pat, I do believe she’s keeping an eye on me, as well! We really appreciate good care, and we’re getting good care from not only Donna, but also from our social worker and chaplain and CNA who visit.”

Donna’s team leader, Renee Joiner, RN, said, “Donna is one of a kind. We can always count on her to do whatever it takes to make sure patients and families are taken care of. She is someone who will go the extra mile and never mention it. Donna treats all her patients with respect and is truly a blessing to have as part of our team.”

Learn more about Delaware Hospice or a career in hospice nursing at www.delawarehospice.org, or call 800-838-9800.