I want to be a hospice nurse

doodlemom · Oct 21, 2005

I am not even in nursing school yet, but I have always thought I would want to go into Hospice Care. What kind of requirements are needed? Are new grads hired with no experience? What are your reccomendations?

I have seen new RN grads hired and while some of them have turned out to be great hospice nurses, I think that it's best to do med-surg for a year. I think it will give you a much more rounded experience. Plus, you never truly know if you will like something until you do it. To be a hospice case manager, you would have to be an RN. Many hospices hire LVN's for prn visits, continuous care, and inpatient care. Good luck

jerseyRN · Oct 23, 2005

One way to see if it's really for you is to work for a hospice as a home health aide. You will see, do and learn a lot, and the experience will help you as a hospice nurse (or any kind of nurse!).

LadyBugLass · Oct 26, 2005

VOLUNTEER!! We love volunteers at our hospice!

nursenetto · Nov 3, 2005

Try volunteering at a local hospice....that will give you some Idea of what hospice is about......

ray2512 · Nov 18, 2005

I started directly into hospice as a GN. I have been a hospice nurse for almost 12 years now. In some respects I would say its better not to work in curative care before going to hospice. Hospice is totally different from other nursing jobs. Save your nursing virginity and go straight to hospice. While in school pay attention in pathophisiology and parmacology they will serve you well.

aimeee, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2005

Nursing virginity! :chuckle

lovesmarissa · Nov 20, 2005

lots of good advice in the replies....I agree that it is better to work for hospice before the hospital because of the HUGE difference in outlook. I am an LPN and am fortunate enough to work on the inpatient unit for Hospice. We can do most everything, except IVs and delegation, etc..RN scope of practice stuff :) We have had several nursing students who came through during their clinicals and decided they wanted to work at hospice after graduating, and they have been wonderful. I agree on the pathophys, also becoming really comfortable with the main problems we see -- pain, dyspnea, anxiety/agitation, N/V and constipation. Those are the big acute problems we see....hope this helps you, and good luck!