My wife works in hospice, although not in any capacity that deals directly with patients. I have, however, met lots of the hospice nurses over the years and they fall into 2 categories - newbies that are less than 5 years into it, and folks that have been doing it forever. It's one of those jobs you decide it's not for you and move on to something else, or it's your calling and you're lifer. The people that have been doing it for a long time are unbelievable - they truly have a calling for the work and wouldn't do anything else - really dedicated people who truly believe in the mission of hospice and providing end of life care - they understand the value they provide and that's why they do it, but it's certainly not for everybody.