How to becom hospice nurse?

cd365c · Oct 3, 2014

You at least need an LPN to start working in a nursing home. But, if you want to work in a hospital on hospice/ palliative, you will at least need an RN now-a-days. But, a BSN will make you more marketable.

QuiltDog · Oct 3, 2014

Our hospice does hire LPNs, but your job options are limited compared to having your RN. I don't see a push in my area for a BSN, but more for hospice certification

Call me Al · Oct 4, 2014

Get your RN, if you can a BSN. My hospice prefers hiring BSNs.

rksghtk · Oct 5, 2014

Thanks for the comments. So I can't work as hospice nurse although I have hospice and palliative bachelor degree? is that correct?

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Oct 5, 2014

Hospice and Palliative nursing is a specialty area of nursing. You must have a nursing license to work directly with patients. Does your program have a suggested area of work for your degree? I would seriously consider switching to a bsn program.

rksghtk · Oct 5, 2014

my school offers BSN program. But, not LPN.

Is LPN associate degree?

westieluv · Oct 5, 2014

No, and LPN is a licensed practical nurse and they have schools specifically designated for becoming an LPN, but it is not an associates degree program.

I guess I'm confused. If you are a hospice and palliative major, what specific career is this major preparing you for? To be a hospice nurse, you have to graduate from a regular nursing program, either ADN or BSN, or get the training to be an LPN, since some hospices do employ LPNs. Getting a nursing degree is not hospice specific, you would just graduate as an RN (after you pass the NCLEX) and then choose hospice as your specialty by becoming employed by a hospice provider.

Is your degree geared more towards counseling, social work, or spiritual care? I have never heard of a hospice and palliative college major that is not geared towards a specific role, although I'm not doubting or questioning it, I'm just curious.