Dillon Flowers, RN, LPN, BSN

The Denver Hospice

Denver, CO

What inspired you to become a nurse?

I come from a family of healthcare professionals. I knew at an early age that caring for others was a character trait I had obtained. I became a CNA during my senior year of high school and further enhanced my education as a LPN, RN, and finally BSN.

How did you come to work in hospice specifically?

My early career was in Emergency medicine. I knew from that time that I wanted to work in Emergency medicine as my career. After becoming a nurse, I wanted a PRN job to make extra money and gain experience outside of the Emergency Department. I applied for a float nurse position at a Rehabilitation hospital in NC. Somehow, my application for employment was sent to the hospice manager. Additionally, my grandmother was in hospice care during this time. I never thought of myself as a hospice nurse, as I loved the atmosphere of the Emergency Department. With my grandmother’s decline, I figured I would give hospice a try and tread the waters of end-of-life care. I accepted the hospice position, and quickly learned this is the career I wanted. Helping others be comfortable at the end of their life journey. I eventually transitioned to hospice full-time in 2013 and have been in the field ever since.

What has been your favorite or proudest moment as a nurse?

Seeing my hospice patients comfortable at the end-of-life after they have been battling symptoms of their chronic disease for so long. Knowing I have helped someone be comfortable in their life’s journey is and will always be a passion of mine.

In what ways (if any) is Nursing different than what you imagined?

Nursing has changed a lot in my 18-year career thus far. Moving from paper charting to EMR, increased focus on billing and insurance reimbursement, and advancements in technologies have overwhelmingly changed the healthcare industry.

Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in hospice?

Go into the hospice specialty with your heart. Be prepared for the emotional and mental taxation that comes with being a hospice nurse – but also remember your fundamentals of nursing training as well as acute care skill sets. Utilize self-care activities to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue.

How do you keep from getting overwhelmed in your busy day-to-day?

Have there been any patients or families that have been particularly memorable? How so?

Being with a patient as they pass so they are not alone. Listening to their heartbeat slowly fade, just prior to pronouncement. Holding an elderly spouse as they grieve the loss of their life partner. All are memorable reasons as to why I love hospice.

Has your work influenced how you think about death? In what ways?

Death is inevitable and will happen to all of us. Death can be expected or come by chance without expectation. Hospice has taught me to enjoy each day as it is a gift and is not promised. To tell your friends and family how much they mean to you and to hold sacred those relationships you have with others.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy walks and bike rides with my partner and our dogs. Exploring the landscape of the Colorado mountains with friends and family. Recreational activities such as gardening and cooking allow me to escape the everyday tasks and focus on my inner self.