Hospice?

[Kylea]

I am currently an LPN working on my RN, with plans to continue advancing my degree. I am finding myself very drawn to hospice at the moment and was wondering if there is such a thing as a specialization in Hospice for NP's. The closest I have seen so far is gerontology and I am not sure if you can further specialize. Thanks in advance!

[lesrn2005]

I am currently an LPN working on my RN, with plans to continue advancing my degree. I am finding myself very drawn to hospice at the moment and was wondering if there is such a thing as a specialization in Hospice for NP's. The closest I have seen so far is gerontology and I am not sure if you can further specialize. Thanks in advance!

I believe there is a hospice and palliative care cert. one can do for specialty.

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

Yes there is. Here is a link for some info. http://www.mywhatever.com/cifwriter/content/41/pe3671.html

Also, check with the hospice nursing specialty thread to see how they operate, as each state is different.

[tencat]

As I understand it, an NP is considered another case manager by Medicare as far as hospice is concerned, thus not able to write prescriptions, etc.

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

As I understand it, an NP is considered another case manager by Medicare as far as hospice is concerned, thus not able to write prescriptions, etc.

Curious, so Medicare doesn't recognize NP's as providers of care in the context of advance practice--e.g. able to write Rx's, order tests, etc?

[Kylea]

Thanks everyone for the information! It's greatly appreciated.

[JDCitizen]

I have a friend that works in-house hospice:

1) She rounds

2) Writes orders

3) Works with the family

4) Works with other care providers

There is more but that is the jest of it.. Believe me the hospital she works for would not be using her if the money was not there.

Our paths crossed more than a few times when I was rounding.