- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Hospice nurse
Hospice nurse
A hospice nurse takes care of terminally ill or injured patients at the end of their lives.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
In demand
Hospice nurses are in demand due to the aging American population, and a growing desire for end-of-life care to be given outside of a hospital environment.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a hospice nurse?
You’ll help people live out their final days as comfortably and painlessly as possible.
What you’ll do as a hospice nurse
Coordination
You may work with priests, ministers and other spiritual advisors of the patient.
Counsel
You’ll provide emotional support to the patient and family.
Treatment
You’ll help terminally ill patients manage their pain, organize supplies, and create treatment plans.
Where you’ll work as a hospice nurse
Hospice nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospice care centers
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Patients’ homes
How to become a hospice nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Pass the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses exam through the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.
You’re ready to work as a hospice nurse!
Hospice nurse career resources
Become a member of a hospice nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA)
Related nursing specialties
Home health nurse
A home health nurse cares for patients in their homes, helping them with tasks that they can’t do themselves due to injury or disease, and providing relief to family members who may be primary caregivers.
Geriatric nurse
A geriatric nurse assists doctors in taking care of the mental and physical health of older patients who are at greater risk of injuries and diseases.