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Regardless of your background, there are several reasons you may want to become a hospice nurse.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be a hospice nurse or had your own hospice experience with a family member.
Regardless of your reason, hospice has a way of connecting people in meaningful ways.
Despite the perception that hospice is depressing, many nurses find end-of-life care rewarding and deeply satisfying.
However, hospice is not for everyone! If you are considering a career in hospice, I’ve outlined some helpful information to help you decide.
What is a Hospice Nurse?
Simply stated, hospice nurses provide care to patients at the end of life. Most often patients have been diagnosed with six months or less to live.
Additionally, they provide support and education to patients, families, and caregivers.
A common misconception about hospice nurses is that they are not “real” nurses.
Often, this is because they don’t always work at the bedside in the hospital setting.
On the contrary, the opposite is true.
Hospice nursing requires strong critical thinking and assessment skills.
Common patient diagnoses include Alzheimer’s dementia, heart disease, respiratory failure, and cancer.
Nurses who work in hospice, accept that their patients are not going to be cured and focus on helping them live life to the fullest.
Quality of life is determined by what is most important to the patient.
How to Become a Hospice Nurse?
Hospice nurses often referred to as angels, still require several years of clinical education and professional training.
Education Requirements
First, you will need to complete an accredited nursing program as a licensed registered nurse (RN). RNs may have an Associates’ degree, Bachelors’s degree, or Master’s degree.
You do not need an advanced practice degree to work in hospice unless you want to work as a Nurse Practitioner.
After completing the nursing program, you will also need to take and pass the NCLEX examination.
Experience
Hospice nurses come from a variety of backgrounds. Although long-term care experience is helpful; it’s not a requirement.
You might enjoy hospice if you have nursing experience in the ER, ICU, Med/Surg, OB, or nursing home.
You should not worry about the type of experience you have if you want to become a hospice nurse.
Ideally, the most important factor for a successful transition is that you have acute care experience.
Initially, you will receive training about the hospice philosophy, pain and symptom management, and compliance.
Can an LPN work for hospice?
Yes, many hospices hire LPNs.
However, due to Medicare guidelines, LPNs aren’t case managers. In most instances, LPNs are paired with an RN case manager.
LPNs perform routine visits. They also participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
Is Certification Required?
No, it is not. The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) requires candidates seeking certification to have recent hospice experience before they can apply for the exam. As a result, most nurses are not certified when they start in hospice.
Also, many agencies do not require certification prior to hiring nurses. However, after several years of hospice experience, it can be professionally and personally rewarding to seek hospice certification.
Personally, I would not recommend taking the exam until you have at least 2-3 years of working as a hospice nurse.
What are types of certifications are available?
You can visit the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association website for useful guides and outlines for each of the exams.
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
- Certified Hospital and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN)
PRO-Tip: Certified nurses earn around $9,000 more per year than non-certified nurses.
Benefits of Hospice Nursing
- Work in a variety of settings
- Spend more time with your patients and families
- Excellent pay
- Ownership of your nursing practice
Career Outlook and Salary
Over the past 10 years, the hospice industry has seen a lot of growth. There are new hospice agencies opening every year and there is an increase in “baby boomers” who need end-of-life care.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the hospice industry will have the fastest growth in employment through 2022. This is good news if you are seeking opportunities as a hospice nurse.
Salary
Nurses often say that they love hospice nursing because they get to spend time with their patients and it feels like a calling. You might even want to work in hospice for the same reasons.
Not only is the pay competitive, but many hospices also offer great benefits.
In addition to traditional benefits such as health insurance and vacation, you might find that they also offer reimbursement for education and certification.
Presently, ZipRecruiter reports the average hospice nurse salary is $81,417/year. The two highest paying states are Hawaii and Massachusetts and the lowest paying states are Florida and Mississippi.
Honestly, this is higher than I expected.
Your pay may vary depending on where you live. For instance, rural nurses tend to make less than nurses in suburban areas.
Skills and Responsibilities
Clinical Skills
- Physical assessment
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Medical equipment ordering
- Document patient care
- Pain & symtom management
- Evaluating patient needs
Non-Clinical Skills
- Demonstrate caring
- Provide end-of-life education
- Communication with team
- Provide support to the patient, families, and caregivers
Where do hospice nurses work?
Hospice care takes place anywhere the patient calls home. Commonly hospice care takes place in the residential home setting. This is not surprising given the fact that most people say they prefer to die at home.
- Individual home
- Nursing home facility
- Assisted Living
- Hospital
- Hospice House
Do you want to learn more about Hospice Nursing?
If you want to learn more about hospice, there are several great organizations you can visit. I’m a member of HPNA and enjoy the community forums and e-journals. It is a great way to stay up-to-date on current hospice information.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
FAQs
Is hospice nursing sad?
While it can be emotionally draining at times, it is also very rewarding. Most hospice nurses get to spend quality time with their patients and may feel invigorated by the bonds they are able to create with the patient and their families.
Hospice nurses have to practice self-care and maintain professional boundaries to avoid burnout.
Are there different types of hospice nurses?
Yes. Just like in the hospital and other care settings, there are many different types of hospice nurse roles. Types of hospice nurse roles include nurse case manager, triage nurse, on-call nurse, quality assurance nurse, nurse supervisor, nurse practitioner, and many more.
Want more information? Check out these articles.
How to Survive Your First Year as a Hospice Nurse
The Truth About Hospice Nurse Certification: Do You Really Need It?
Weird but Serious Questions to Ask in a Hospice Nurse Interview