Required education
ADN or BSN
Attributes
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
Managerial
Lead, guide and support other nurses so they can provide the best care.
Out-of-hospital
Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Research-oriented
Analyze data and discover new ways to help patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Your nursing experience will ensure you are uniquely trained to help your patients both physically and psychologically.
What you’ll do
Assessment
You’ll evaluate patients and their diagnoses.
Education
You’ll teach patients’ families about their condition and the treatment required for it.
Representation
You’ll advocate for your patients, who often can’t communicate their own needs.
Research
You’ll investigate the best possible long-term care solutions for your patients.
Where you’ll work
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Hospice care centers
- Insurance companies
- Managed care organizations
- Rehabilitation centers
How to become a Nurse Life Care Planner
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
03
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining two years’ experience in life care planning and taking continuing education classes.
04
Pass your Certified Life Care Planner Exam through the Commission of Health Care Certification.
05
You’re ready to work as a Nurse Life Care Planner.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Nurse Life Care Planner organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
A Nurse Researcher’s role is also structured.
A Nurse Entrepreneur is another type of management nurse.
