Hospice Nursing Career Overview
In the field of hospice nursing, professionals provide compassionate care to individuals facing terminal conditions, with a primary focus on ensuring the patient’s comfort and minimizing pain. 
These dedicated nurses operate under the supervision of physicians or advanced practice nurses and may also take on the responsibility of overseeing nursing assistants. Below, you’ll discover insights into hospice nursing roles, the path to becoming a hospice nurse, and the typical salary expectations.
Duration of Education
2-4 years
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Job Outlook
Anticipated 7% growth from 2019 to 2029
Median Annual Salary
Approximately $67,250
SOURCE: PayScale
Insight into the Hospice Nursing Career
Hospice nurses play a crucial role in caring for individuals with terminal conditions, aiming to enhance their comfort levels and alleviate pain. Their work involves close collaboration with physicians or advanced practice nurses, and they may also supervise nursing assistants.
Key Responsibilities
– Administration of medication, particularly focusing on pain management
– Treatment and dressing of wound sites
– Monitoring vital signs
– Providing psychological and emotional support to both patients and their families
Essential Traits for the Career
– Empathy
– Strong communication skills
– Emotional resilience
Work Settings for Hospice Nurses
Hospice nurses can be found working in various settings, including hospitals, residential care centers, and the homes of patients.
Hospitals
In hospitals, their role involves providing care to alleviate symptoms, collaborating with both clinical and non-clinical staff, and maintaining open communication with the patient’s family.
Home Health
In a home health setting, hospice nurses administer medical treatment, attend to patients’ needs, and educate family caregivers.
Hospice Care Centers
Within hospice care centers, their responsibilities range from admitting new patients and communicating with families to providing direct care and supervising nursing assistants.
Reasons to Pursue a Career in Hospice Nursing
Advantages
– High demand for hospice nurses
– Above-average compensation
– Emotionally fulfilling work
– Generally predictable schedules
Challenges
– Establishment of relationships with patients facing terminal conditions
– Requirement for reliable transportation in homecare settings
– Necessity to maintain emotional equilibrium when interacting with patients and families
Steps to Become a Hospice Nurse
1. Obtain an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a master of science in nursing (MSN). Typically, an associate degree takes two years, a BSN takes four years, and an MSN takes six years. Some nurses start with a BSN and later pursue an MSN degree.
2. Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain RN licensure. This examination, lasting up to six hours, covers various aspects of medicine, nursing practice, and ethical/legal issues.
3. Accumulate the necessary nursing experience, with most hospice nurses having two or three years of experience in an acute care setting before transitioning to hospice care.
4. Consider obtaining certification offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. While not a legal requirement, certification can enhance job prospects and facilitate career advancement. Several specialty certifications are available.
Further Exploration of Hospice Nurse Certification
Certification Options for Hospice Nurses
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA)
Although no longer available to new applicants, hospice nurses with current CHPCA certification can maintain their certification through ongoing clinical work and accruing continuing education hours.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
To achieve CHPN certification, hospice nurses should have at least 500 hours of experience in the last year as a palliative care or hospice nurse, or 1,000 hours in the last two years. Additionally, they must hold an unrestricted RN license and pass an examination.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN)
Aspiring CHPPN-certified hospice nurses need a minimum of 500 hours of experience in the last year in palliative care and pediatric nursing, or 1,000 hours in the past two years. They must also possess an unrestricted RN license and achieve a passing grade on the examination.
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN)
ACHPN certification is designed for advanced practice nurses and requires either certified nurse specialist or nurse practitioner status, recent experience as a palliative care or hospice nurse, an unrestricted RN license, and successful completion of the certification exam.
How Much Do Hospice Nurses Make?
The average salary for hospice nurses stands at $67,250. Those with a BSN degree earn more than their ADN counterparts, and advanced practice nurses and nurse practitioners earn higher salaries than BSN-holders.
With an anticipated 7% growth in RN jobs between 2019 and 2029, hospice nurse positions may experience even faster growth. This is attributed to the aging U.S. population and the increasing prevalence of hospice care, particularly in-home settings.
State-Specific Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
– How long does it take to become a hospice nurse?
Hospice nurse positions typically require a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, followed by an additional 2-3 years of experience as an acute care nurse, depending on the type of certification pursued.
– Can hospice nurses prescribe medicine?
Only advanced practice hospice nurses, such as certified nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, possess the authority to prescribe medication, including controlled substances. Hospice nurses without this certification cannot prescribe medication.
– What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on alleviating pain and distress for individuals with serious chronic conditions, whether terminal or not. In contrast, hospice care specifically manages pain and psychological distress for those with terminal conditions.
– Who do hospice nurses work alongside on a hospice team?
Hospice nurses collaborate with physicians or advanced practice nurses who prescribe treatments. They often supervise certified nursing assistants and work in coordination with chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and other non-clinical care providers.
Resources for Hospice Nurses
– Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
This association provides education, certification, networking opportunities, and professional development resources for its members, including RNs and nursing assistants. Additionally, it engages in advocacy efforts to promote hospice and palliative care within the healthcare system.
– American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine offers education, resources, and networking for physicians involved in hospice and palliative care. Membership is also open to hospice nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals in the field.
– National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Comprising hospice and palliative care providers, provider networks, and individual healthcare professionals, this organization offers resources for hospice and palliative care administration. It is also actively involved in advocacy efforts to enhance access to holistic healthcare.
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