Hospice, or end-of-life care is a growing field with an opportunity for nursing jobs. In 2020 1.71 Million Medicare users received Hospice care. The growing demand for end-of-life care offers many healthcare career openings and numerous nursing career opportunities.
What is (and isn’t) Hospice care?
Hospice care is specialized to provide comfort and dignity to patients at the end of their life, and is usually provided when the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less. Support can include emotional as well as spiritual care for the patient. An important part of hospice treatment is palliative care, which focuses on relieving the pain and other symptoms of the patient’s illness. When a patient dies, bereavement care for the family can also be provided
Hospice care is not curing, it’s caring. Hospice care isn’t standardized either. Individual patients have programs tailored to their needs.
Education and Skills Needed For a Nursing Job in Hospice Care
Hospice is a field that requires unique training and skills.
To have a successful career in nursing, a Bachelors in Nursing Science in needed, as well as two to three years in a relevant medical job field. If an interested applicant does not have a BSN, they must enter a program with two years of working in hospice, and have five years from their start date to complete the degree.
Hospice nurses must also have an LPN (Licensed Practicing Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse) license in their respective state. However, while these licenses are a standard across the US, specific requirements and certifications vary by employer.
Examples of states with unique rules and requirements are:
- California: Requires LPNs (referred to as LVNs – Licensed Vocational Nurses) and RNs to be licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing or the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, respectively. Additional certifications in palliative care can be beneficial.
- New York: Requires LPNs and RNs to be licensed by the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions. Continuing education in hospice and palliative care can be advantageous.
- Texas: As part of the NLC, (Nursing Licensure Compact) nurses licensed in other NLC states can practice in Texas. Employers may require different training and certifications.
- Florida: The Florida Board of Nursing also may need to license LPN and RN certifications, as it is in another NLC state. Individual employers may also require hospice specific training.
Finally, soft skills are also necessary for having a successful nursing career in hospice care. Making patients feel comfortable and welcomed is crucial if someone is interested in a nursing career in Hospice.
Getting Certified For Hospice Care Jobs
A way to stand out in hospice care career is to get certified by the Hospice Palliative Care Credentialing Center (HPCCC). It varies between states whether or not HPCCC certificate is required. The organization offer six different palliative care certification for the following medical professionals:
- Advanced practice nurses
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Pediatric hospice and palliative nurse
- Licensed practical nurses/licensed vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
- Nursing assistants
- Social workers
Hospice Care Nurse Job Openings
Now is the time to look for nursing jobs in hospice care. You can succeed in this rewarding field with the right training, certification, and a dedication to helping others.
