Considering Hospice Nursing

[barbnyc]

Hello,

I will be starting nursing school in the Fall. I'm thinking about the specialty of hospice nursing. I'm a second degree student and have prior non-clinical training in end-of-life care. However, I have limited knowledge about the nursing perspective of this specialty.

Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated. Is there a certification process?

Thanks.

Barbara

[aimeee, BSN, RN]

There is a certification, but it is a general knowledge test of the specialty area and the recommendation is that you have 2 years experience in the specialty before taking the exam. You can find information about it here:

http://www.nbchpn.org/

Oncology, geriatrics, med-surg, and long-term care all offer aspects of the body of experience that will help you if you decide to enter hospice/palliative nursing in the future. Best wishes for success in your studies.