High 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.
Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
$50k–$83k
Attributes
Out of hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
A set routine will allow you to anticipate and expertly manage every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll help people live out their final days as comfortably and painlessly as possible.
What you’ll do
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
- Hospice care centers
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Patients’ homes
How to become a Hospice Nurse
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
03
Pass the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses exam through the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.
04
You’re ready to work as a Hospice Nurse.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Hospice Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
An Infusion Nurse’s role is also patient-facing.
A Forensic Nurse is another type of community nurse.
