Hospice Nurse Career Overview

how long to become

2-4 years

job outlook

7% growth from 2019 to 2029

median annual salary

$67,250

SOURCE: PayScale

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

Credit: LWA / Stone / Getty Images

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?

How To Become a Hospice Nurse

Earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), or a master of science in nursing (MSN)

An associate degree typically takes two years to complete while a BSN takes four years. An MSN typically takes six years. Some nurses start with a BSN and later pursue an MSN degree.

Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive RN licensure

RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to practice. This examination takes up to six hours and covers various aspects of medicine, nursing practice, and ethics/legal issues.

Gain required nursing experience

Typically, hospice nurses have two or three years experience in an acute care setting before starting hospice care.

Consider a certification offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center

Certification is not a legal requirement to practice as a hospice nurse but is valuable for finding a job or receiving a promotion. Multiple specialty certifications are available.

Certification Options for Hospice Nurses

How Much Do Hospice Nurses Make?

The average hospice nurse salary is $67,250. 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 7% between 2019 and 2029. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a hospice nurse?

Hospice nurse jobs require a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN, and then typically 2-3 more years of experience as an acute care nurse, depending on certification type.

Can hospice nurses prescribe medicine?

Only advanced practice hospice nurses, such as certified nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, can prescribe medicine, such as controlled substances. Hospice nurses without this certification cannot prescribe medication.

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

Palliative care involves reducing pain and distress for those with serious chronic conditions, whether or not the condition is terminal. Hospice care emphasizes managing pain and psychological distress specifically for those with terminal conditions.

Who do hospice nurses work alongside on a hospice team?

Hospice nurses work alongside physicians or advanced practice nurses who prescribe treatments. They often supervise certified nursing assistants and collaborate with chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and others who provide non-clinical care.

Resources for Hospice Nurses

• Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

  The Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association offers education, certification, networking, and professional development resources to its members. It also engages in advocacy for hospice and palliative care as part of healthcare. Membership is open to RNs and nursing assistants.

• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

  The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine provides education, resources, and networking for physicians engaged in hospice and palliative care. However, membership is also open to hospice nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals in hospice or palliative care.

• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

  The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's membership consists of hospice and palliative care providers, provider networks, and individual healthcare professionals. It provides resources for hospice and palliative care administration and also engages in advocacy to enhance access to holistic healthcare.

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Clarke, FNP, MSN, RN, MSSW

Elizabeth Clarke (Poon) is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who provides primary and urgent care to pediatric populations. She earned a BSN and MSN from the University of Miami.

Clarke is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network. Learn more about our review partners.