Hospice nurses fill a special role in caring for patients at the end of their lives. While often challenging, this profession allows healthcare workers to have a meaningful impact on patients and families. It’s no surprise that many hospice nurses find their work fulfilling. With Prism Career Institute, learn more about hospice nurse duties to expect upon entering this career field.
What Is Hospice Care?
Often called end-of-life care, hospice care is provided to patients who have six months or less to live. While many people associate hospice care with cancer, it is also provided to patients with any terminal illness. Patients may have heart failure, advanced dementia, or other serious conditions.
The priority in hospice care is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. While other forms of care focus on extending a patient’s life, hospice is centered around improving the quality of life. Honoring the patient’s wishes is paramount. So is providing emotional support. Patients and their families must deal with death, grief, and other heavy feelings. In this difficult time, hospice provides much-needed compassion and connection.
What Is a Hospice Nurse?
A hospice nurse is a trained and licensed practical nurse who specializes in hospice care. They may work in hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing centers, and patient’s homes to support patients through their final months. This field is uniquely challenging, and nurses require a robust skill set to thrive:
- Medical training: A strong foundation in medical knowledge is vital. Hospice nurses must be able to administer medications, dress wounds, and track their patient’s condition.
- Compassion: Entering hospice care can be challenging for patients and family members. It’s essential to be caring towards people who are working through difficult emotions.
- Fortitude: Working within such a heavy environment is often overwhelming. Nurses must have the emotional strength and the ability to stay attuned to their own emotional needs.
- Sensitivity: Each patient’s end-of-life wishes are different. The nurse must remain attentive and sensitive to the patient’s needs in order to make sure they are met.
- Attention to detail: Hospice nurses are responsible for monitoring a patient’s well-being. Keen attention to detail is essential to identify and resolve issues quickly.
With the right skills, however, hospice nursing can also be rewarding. Hospice nurses get to know their patients on an intimate and personal level while helping them live life to the fullest. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives when it matters most.
Common Hospice Nurse Duties
Hospice nurses are typically part of an individual patient’s care team. They collaborate with the family physician, home health aides, social workers, and spiritual counselors to ensure that the individual and their loved ones have the support they need. Much of the support provided will be clinical or medical. Common PN responsibilities in a hospice setting may include:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Administering medications
- Tracking symptoms and behaviors to identify signs of decline
- Educating family members about disease progression, medications, and nutrition
- Obtaining physician’s orders for beds, medication, oxygen, and other supplies
- Collaborating with specialists to understand a patient’s requirements
- Assisting patients with mobility, hygiene, and daily tasks
- Developing a customized care plan
Other duties are more personal. As an example, a hospice nurse may help their patient travel, prepare for their wedding, learn a new creative skill, or carry out other big dreams before their death. They may also provide end-of-life companionship, or defend the patient’s desires when questions arise regarding their care plan. This personal touch is what sets hospice care apart from other nursing settings, and what makes it most fulfilling for the individuals who choose this path.
How to Become a Practical Nurse
To become a hospice nurse, students must first complete a practical nursing program that is board-approved and accredited. Nursing programs provide classroom coursework in addition to hands-on training in a clinical setting, helping students develop the skills they will need to succeed in a rigorous career path. Most nursing programs, take one to two years to complete.
After graduating, students will be ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN). This exam is a measure of what the student has learned. If they pass, the student will be licensed to work in a variety of clinical settings, including hospice.
Begin Your PN Career Journey Today
If you think hospice nurse duties sound rewarding, now is the time to kickstart your new career path. Prism Career Institute offers a practical nursing program at campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Our program comes with flexible scheduling options, including nights and weekends, helping you fit coursework into your busy schedule. Contact us today to learn more about our admission requirements and financial aid opportunities for those who qualify.