How to becom hospice nurse?

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I am currently taking hospice and palliative major (Bachelor's degree). I am wondering if I want to work as hospice nurse, do I have to be RN and get BSN degree first?

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Specializes in none.

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.

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Specializes in Hospice Nursing.

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

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

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

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Specializes in Informatics / Trauma / Hospice / Immunology.

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.

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my school offers BSN program. But, not LPN.

Is LPN associate degree?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Dialysis, Hospice.

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.

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