General Education and Licensing Considerations

Hospice nurses need to be RNs. While a bachelor's degree is not mandatory, it is often necessary for career progression within several specialty areas. All states require that prospective nurses graduate from a nursing program accredited by the state education department and pass a national licensing examination called the NCLEX-RN.

Hospice-specific Requirements

In addition to having a current RN license, you will need two years of full-time RN experience within a hospice care setting, and pass a certification exam administered by the National Board for the Certification of Hospice Nurses.

Team Orientation

Hospice nurses often work with such other care providers as speech, occupational, or physical therapists. You may also supervise the work of home health aides who provide such hygienic care as bathing and grooming, along with meal preparation and house cleaning.

Compassionate Communication Ability

Hospice nurses routinely act as the liaison between patients and their families and the primary care physician. You will often need to relay sensitive---and often difficult---information in a clear, yet compassionate manner.

Grief Counseling

While this is not a mandatory requirement, it would be beneficial for hospice nurses to engage in periodic grief counseling. This is needed so that the emotional toll that the nature of the work can take over time is provided an outlet for expression.

Source:

PrincetonReview.com: Hospice Nurse