For today’s show I discuss my own challenges with my hero complex, and how we can all get away from trying to be the hero in someone else’s story.

Click HERE to read the Avoiding Hospice Burnout series.

It is completely natural to become a central figure in the life of our dying patients and their family members. We have a lot of knowledge to share, and we have a lot of solutions to common problems.

It is our job to empower our caregivers and help them become the hero of the story.

Here are the 3 main tips I provide in this episode to help set up our caregivers as the hero.

1. Focus on intentions, not results
   1. Please recognize your caregiver’s intentions
   2. Everyone has different levels of competency
   3. Reinforce good behavior
   4. Downplay mistakes
2. Never be critical of your caregiver 
   1. Many caregivers are emotionally fragile
   2. It’s our job to coach them up
3. Turn off your work phone after hours
   1. Give out your number, but make a fuss about it
   2. Help the caregiver and family become comfortable with the entire team
   3. You cannot be on call for your patients around the clock

Don’t forget to call or email to leave feedback! I would love to hear from you!

816-834-9191
James@confessionsofahospicenurse.net

As promised here is a link to a YouTube video helping you learn how to use google voice.

Click HERE to watch on YouTube.

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James

James worked on-and-off as an LPN for over 20 years. In 2014 he completed a bridge program and became an RN. James became a hospice nurse in January 2015. He lives in the Kansas City area with his wife of over 30 years, 4 daughters and 2 sons in law.