Getting certified in Hospice, what is the benefit to you?

Just got my annual $500 bonus for certification.

Even though I do not have mine... I do plan to get it. Monetary reimbursement is great and all of that... but just think of the knowledge base you will have... and the good you can do for all of your future patients.

My first hospice employer paid for the exam for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs. I had to buy the study material (@$75). I was certified while working for that employer in New York State but wasn't financially rewarded for it. I am now working in Texas for a multi-state hospice company that pays a $1500/year bonus to LPNs with the certification (after one year of employment). I think I learned a good deal in studying for the certification. As a member of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association, I receive their journal every month which helps me keep up with advances in hospice and palliative nursing.

The hospice company I work for doesn't 'require' it, but over the last 3yrs or so, has been sending the RN's & LPN's for it. This fall it will be my turn (finally). Our employer gives us the materials to review, sends us to the one-day seminar, & pays for the test. I never considered a monetary "reward" for obtaining it. I just want it for my own personal/professional gain/knowledge. Also, my employer is a wonderful person to work for & I like the idea of contributing to the marketability of the company if all it's nurses get certified. And yes, I did think it would make me more marketable in the future if I ever needed to change jobs.

Our hospital does not reimburse for the exam but do pay RN's $1:50/hour more if they are certified in the specialty that they are working in. This came about after I was scheduled to take the exam as I wanted to get the education not offered by my department. I organised a study group with other nurses and it was an excellent experience. I'd really like to get a degree in palliative and/or hospice care but it's not offered at the bachelors level that I can find and like Ginapixi I really don't see the value of a BS in nursing!

Without getting into a "AD vs. BS" fight, I would argue that there ARE advantages, in terms of learning things at another level in getting a BS. In addition, even if base pay is the same, somepositions are often only open to those with a BS. Sometimes it is stated with the caveat "or equivalent experience," but that's a very subjective term and you are at the mercy of the person doing the hiring.