Hospice Nurse Career in Brief
Hospice nurses care for patients with terminal conditions, often focusing on keeping the patient as comfortable as possible and minimizing pain. They work under the supervision of physicians or advanced practice nurses and may supervise nursing assistants.
Key Tasks
- Administering medicine, particularly pain management medication
- Treating and dressing wound sites
- Monitoring vital signs
- Providing psychological and emotional support for patients and families
Career Traits
- Empathy
- Communication
- Emotional resilience
Where Do Hospice Nurses Work?
Hospice nurses work in hospitals, residential care centers, and in patient homes.
Hospitals Provide care to ease symptoms and keep the patient as physically comfortable as possible; collaborate with clinical and non-clinical staff; communicate with family
Home Health Administer medical treatment; meet patients' needs; educate family caregivers
Hospice Care Centers Admit new patients; communicate with family; provide care; supervise nursing assistants
Why Become a Hospice Nurse?
Advantages To Becoming a Hospice Nurse
Disadvantages To Becoming a Hospice Nurse
How To Become a Hospice Nurse
Certification Options for Hospice Nurses
How Much Do Hospice Nurses Make?
The average hospice nurse salary is $77,055. Nurses with a BSN degree make more than those with an ADN and advanced practice nurses and nurse practitioners earn more than BSN-holders.
RN jobs are projected to grow by 5% between 2024 and 2034. Hospice nurse jobs may likely grow faster, given the aging U.S. population and the growth of hospice care in general, especially in-home hospice care.
Resources for Hospice Nurses
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Nurses
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