As a retired RN, I am glad, and not at all surprised that the nurses pick up on things first. Nurses work with, not for, doctors and are responsible for their own practice. Nursing focuses more on the whole person, and a doctor often relies on the nurse to do assessments and bring concerns to his/her attention. Hospice can be a good thing but I have been upset lately as I learn that many are now "for profit" companies and only want to get 'involved' at the very end of life. It's not how it is meant to be. It is supposed to provide those who choose hospice with support and supplies and education' and a big reason it is not what it should be today is that these companies do not have Hospice Houses (they don't make money) which is an integral part of Hospice care; basically a place where the dying person can be in a home-like setting but with 24hr nursing and assistance (thus relieving the caregiver). ER/ED are not well equipped or meant for end of life care and much of what they provide could be done at home or in another setting. I am so sorry you are going through this.