Hospice nurses have a very special role in nursing. They aid in the transition period at the end of life. Providing end of life care can be a very sensitive, yet fulfilling role in the nursing field. Hospice nurses care for the patients and families during this time and provide pain relief, comfort care and education on the stages of the end of life.
During this time patients and families have many questions about how they are feeling. The role of the hospice nurse is to prepare them for what is to come. They also provide very specialized approaches to pain and suffering to offer the patient optimal comfort. A hospice nurse needs to have the utmost sensitivity and empathy and be able to work in tough situations. They provide care during transition and continue to care for the families for a period of time after their loved one passes.
Here’s how to become a licensed hospice nurse.
- Education and Training. Your path towards specialized nursing programs begins with completing the requirements of a regular licensed practicing nurse. You will have to get your degree from an accredited institution as well as pass a licensure exam.
In high school, you will need to focus your general studies in math and science. After graduation you can apply for an accredited nursing school and complete either your Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Sciences. You will then need to take your state board examination; the National Council for Licensing Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) and become a Registered Nurse. To become a hospice nurse, you only have to be an RN with an Associate’s Degree, although, keep in mind that RNs with Bachelor’s Degrees and even Master’s Degrees can do a lot more in the field and have a higher rate of pay. A nurse with a bachelor’s degree and certification have to complete courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, acute patient care, geriatrics, terminal illnesses, end of life care, medical ethics and psychology. They are also required to complete an internship in a hospice. Many hospice nurses also have Master’s degrees in Hospice and Palliative Nursing.
Hospice nurses can apply for certification through the HPNA (Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association). To be eligible for certification, you will need to have at least two years experience in hospice nursing, pass an examination and pay membership fees. This certification is not required to become a hospice nurse, but can benefit your job placement greatly.
Nurses that have higher degrees have an easier job in hospice, as they are allowed to order needed pain medications without having to contact a physician in the middle of the night. - Skills Needed. Before applying to nursing school programs, it is best if you make sure you have these traits. You should be independent, able to handle stress, maintain composure under difficult circumstances and still be friendly to patients. These are attractive traits for nursing applicants and will serve you well during your career.
- Hospice nurses must be compassionate.
- You must be very detail oriented.
- Good knowledge of pharmacology and pain control.
- Good communication skills.
- Emotionally stable and able to deal with death.
- Quick critical thinking skills in the presence of emergencies.
- Comfortable working closely with doctors, patients and families.
- Job Opportunities. Most hospice nurses are provided by hospice agencies. They usually provide a car or generous reimbursement if you use your own car. There are “in-house” hospices that are affiliated with hospitals and patients may be seen either in the hospital or in their homes after discharge. There are also stand alone hospice facilities where families may choose to house the patient, but are allowed full access to be with their family member during this time. Hospice nurses that work for agencies are mostly “on-call” and can be called out to a patient’s home at any time, day or night. “In-house” hospices are usually shift work, but can be day, night and weekend shifts.
- Salary and Job Growth. The salary for a hospice nurse is one of the most generous of the nursing career paths. On average, hospice nurses may make about $65,000. You will get a differential for on-call hours, nights and weekends. If you use your own car, you may also get mileage reimbursement. Hospitals and agencies also provide benefits packages for full-time hospice nurses.
There is an increasing demand for hospice nurses due to a shift in care being focused more on home care at the end of life. This career path is expected to grow tremendously over the next 20 years.
Hospice nursing can be both a challenging and rewarding career path for nursing. You will experience the benefit of assisting patients and families through a challenging time in their lives. If you have the emotional capacity to nurture a positive and comfortable environment for those experiencing end of life issues, then hospice nursing might be the right career path for you.