The Most Critical Care: Your Journey to Becoming a Hospice Nurse

IT TAKES A SPECIAL TYPE OF PERSON to be a hospice nurse, and at National Health Care Provider Solutions, we have the utmost respect for those with the passionate hearts to pursue a career in hospice nursing. The hospice career is an opportunity to care for patients during the final moments of their lives, and it should be an honor to be by their side during this critical time. A lot of times care can be given in the patients home to make them feel more comfortable.

The hospice nurse not only helps to relieve the stress of the situation for the family and the patient but also to help improve the patients quality of life.

A hospice nurse  has several responsibilities but mainly provides care for critically ill patients who are near death. They work very closely with the family members and other health care professionals to make sure the patients needs are met. Taking care of someone in their final days should be an honor.

If you have an interest in hospice nursing, there are several specific education and training skills required for the job. Check out these 5 essential steps below:

5 Stages on your Journey to Becoming a Hospice Nurse

#1 Attend an accredited to receive a specialized diploma
You will need to complete either a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) before being able to apply to be a hospice nurse.

Both options are popular but are slightly different. A BSN is a 4-year degree at a university, while an ASN is a program that typically only takes a couple of years at specific nursing schools and community colleges. Having a degree is a requirement for nursing.

#2 Take (and pass!) the NCLEX-RN
After graduating from an accredited program and receiving your diploma, it’s time to gear up for one of the most significant physical tests in your career as a hospice nurse! The NCLEX-RN is an exam taken by all registered nurses and must be taken as soon as possible.

#3 Get involved and learn from others in the field
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, it’s time to gain experience in the particular type of nursing care required by hospice patients. This acute care is found in intensive care units, such as geriatric and ICU nursing units. The typical time frame when one must gain experience in these high-intensity units is about one to two years.

#4 Take (and pass!) the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Certification exam
If you choose, you can become certified in hospice care through the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses, which is located in Pennsylvania.

After passing the exam, you will be given the proper accreditation to your name and can continue on your final journey to finding work in hospice care facilities.

#5 Apply for work in hospice care facilities and units
The final step in your journey is finding and applying for job at hospice care facilities in your local area. The renewal of your certifications should be further looked into every two to four years to stay current in the field.

Check out the infographic we’ve created below on your journey to becoming a hospice nurse!

Five-stages-to-become-a-hospice-nurse

About Mackenzie, Life Saver, NHCPS

Mackenzie is a seasoned life saver and a multifaceted professional in the medical field. With an impressive 8-year track record in medical education, Mackenzie boasts a comprehensive set of certifications, including ACLS, PALS, BLS, and CPR, which reflect her unwavering commitment and expertise. Her significant contributions to teaching and the development of medical content underscore her profound knowledge and dedication to advancing healthcare.

Beyond her medical prowess, Mackenzie seamlessly integrates her passion for education with her proficiency in media and marketing. Her academic journey at Indiana University culminated in a degree in Media and Marketing, further solidifying her expertise in these domains.

In addition to her impressive professional achievements, Mackenzie possesses a refined taste for global exploration, photography, design aesthetics, sartorial elegance, and the culinary arts, with a particular affinity for Chinese cuisine. Currently based in the vibrant city of Manhattan, she continues to be a driving force in the medical community. She is an invaluable asset to SaveaLife.com, where she champions excellence and innovation with unwavering dedication.

Contact Mackenzie, Life Saver, NHCPS at.

6 responses

  1. Rahul raj Avatar
    Rahul raj

    Hi sir I would like to get questions

    1. Manuel Avatar
      Manuel

      Hello Rahul, thank you for your feedback. You may send us an email at [email protected] so we can help you with your request. Have a great day and keep saving lives!

  2. Yolanda Salas Avatar
    Yolanda Salas

    Hello,
    Iโ€™m an RN BSN with 20 years experience in Med/Surg/Tele .
    Iโ€™m very interested in becoming a hospice nurse.
    Are there certain classes I need to take?
    Or what exactly is the next step?
    Appreciate any help you can offer, thanks!, Yolanda Salas

    1.  Avatar

      Hi Yolanda,
      That is a great question. Since you are an RN BSN and have a lot of experience, your next steps would be to work in intensive care units such as geriatric and ICU nursing units to gain some experience in the type of care required by hospice patients if you haven’t already. When you feel ready, you’ll need to take the Hospice & Palliative Nurses Certification exam through the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses. After that, you can apply for jobs at hospice care facilities!

      1. Diane Samuel BSN RN Avatar
        Diane Samuel BSN RN

        Hi, why would an experienced nurse interested in hospice need to work in an ICU? Hospice patients are generally not receiving that sort of acute care. I could understand trying to get experience on an oncology unit, but ICU??

        1. Nicholas Avatar
          Nicholas

          Hello Diane,

          Thank you for your question! While experience specifically in the ICU is not required, it is generally essential to gain experience in some type of acute care setting. This could be an Intensive Care Unit, but it could also be an Emergency Department, geriatrics, or another setting that provides similar experience in a high-demand environment. These areas provide an abundance of exposure to patients in need of immediate assessment and care, which is key experience necessary to becoming a hospice nurse. There are many available paths to becoming a hospice nurse, all of which differ depending on the individual and their personal interests and experiences. This is a general pathway we would recommend for those looking for a place to start!

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