Like Bluedev, I think it will.  It does all of us.  I remember my brief stint with it (about 20 years ago).  It smacked me with realities that I had never thought of.  And made me face some of my own, albeit not harsh, prejudices.  And made me a committed anti-euthanasia person (where before I was it was for their own good).

My experience was with people little more than vegetables.  Or so I mistakenly assumed.  But I found a recognition and warmth that makes me firmly beleive that where there is life, there is hope and feeling.  I know that is not universal.  Intellectually, I understand it.  Emotionally, I cannot accept that now.

I'll be sure and tell you how what I do and see makes me feel.  Already, it's making me think...I went to see my patient this afternoon.  I wasn't there very long, but it was long enough to have an effect on me.  I'm full of thoughts this evening, some of them good, some not so good...some are making me smile, some are bringing me close to tears.  But, I'm aware of them, and I'm working through them, so it's all good.

That's EXACTLY how I'd describe some of the thoughts I've been having this afternoon. 

Again, exactly.

Thanks, MM.  I'm aware of what feelings may come, and whilst I cannot say that I'm totally prepared for them, I do have outlets for them and people I can talk to about them.  The hospice makes bereavement counsellors available for ALL it's employees, paid or otherwise.  There's always a social worker on call, so I will always have someone to talk to.