How can I get hired for Hospice with no experience in "Hospice"

ErinS, BSN, RN · Mar 2, 2012

I am surprised they are requiring prior hospice experience. We actually prefer someone that has really solid base nursing experience, but no or little hospice experience so we can teach them our way. That being said, I think you need to highlight that you have had end of life experience. So when you are applying for jobs, instead of describing your work as "cared for elderly pt's in a skilled nurse setting", I would put something more specific like "Cared holistically for clients throughout their lifespan, with a focus on ensuring their end of life was comfortable and dignified". But you better be prepared to describe exactly how you did this. Good luck!

DamnGoodNurse · Mar 2, 2012

That is perfect that is what I do and you said it so well. This will definately make a difference. I can't wait to apply for another position. Thank you sooo much this is wonderful advise and I appreciate it. Marge

hospicernsrgr8t · Mar 14, 2012

I applied for my RN Case Manager position as a newly licensed RN, but after 5 years of experience in med surgical, long term care and Pediatric Home care as an LPN. They told me flat out at the interview that they didn't feel that I had enough experience because they wanted to ensure that their nurses could feel confident doing things on their own. Understandably so. However, I was heartbroken because I did feel well qualified and confident that I was capable of this work because I had cared for many Hospice patients in the LTC setting, and had the home care experience as well. I got the "thanks, but no thanks" letter the day after my interview.

So I thought about it for a few days, feeling broken that I was unable to get the position that I was working so hard to get. This is the reason I went to Rn school, I really wanted to be a Hospice nurse. I finally mustered up the courage to call the HR point person and ask for some advice. I first told her first that I respected and understood their decision. I expressed to her that I really had a strong desire to work in Hospice and felt confident in my nursing skills and experience and would like some feedback on my interview, or some advice on what kind of experience they would find appealing for me to apply in the future. I expressed to her that I was ready to begin my nursing career as an RN and wasn't interested in working in another area.

She called me back in two days and offered me another interview. I got the position and now,less than 2 years later, have been promoted to RN team leader. :w00t:

So, my advice is to respect your interviewers while expressing your desire and willingness to learn in a professional way. It worked for me. Good luck!

caliotter3 · Mar 23, 2012

As with any new employer where you don't necessarily have prior experience, apply for a position and be prepared to sell yourself. I have walked in cold, without any or a lot of specific experience and found myself hired. If I had stayed away because I felt unqualified, I would not have had the opportunity to work at those jobs. Almost every nurse who has experience should be able to tell an interviewer how they can be useful to the organization. Even a brand new grad, with no experience at all, can sell their eagerness to learn.

tsconard · May 1, 2012

I am a RN with over 35 years experience in long-term care both in bedside nursing and management. I currently work in a mental health dd/mr facility that is going to close. Due to the institutionalization of large homes we have over 200 residents. I am from Illinois, but as I understand all large homes will eventually close. I have worked in this field for over 20 years. I am ready for a change and want to get into Hospice. My problem is they want experience of what formally in Hospice I have none. In reality I have a wealth of experience. I deal with very ill and aging physically and mentally handicapped persons daily. This population is aging and living longer than they ever have before and with the aging process we are dealing with a vase variety of diseases. So I have experience in death, heart ache, compassion and empathy. But now experience in "Hospice" What can this nurse do to get experience if no place will hire you to give you the experience. I would be an asset to any team. Any help would be appreciated thank you

I've been a Hospice RN/Case manager for one year...love it! And I was a rookie nurse...lol...only one year of med surg experience. I think hiring decisions may depend on what that particular company is focusing on. My company, at the time when i interviewed, they were looking for compassionate, patient/family focused RNs....because for them, happy family=referrals=$$

I stressed patient and family focus during my interview.... "I don't feel as if I'm able to give my patients and their families all the education/attention that they need to better themselves because being a floor nurse just doesn't provide the time or the environment for that. yada yada...."

tewdles, RN · May 2, 2012

I would be interested to know what type of hospice nursing position they are filling that they only want to consider those with hospice experience.

The norm is to only hire experienced RNs into the field case manager positions...general nursing/med surg etc type of experience...not hospice specific. Their response makes me wonder...

Did the interview go well otherwise? Were you able to establish any rapport with the interviewer? How did you feel about the interview during and after?

It is not easy to find nurses with any amount of hospice experience to work in hospice. I find that if nurses like hospice and are good at it, they stay in hospice. So finding them outside of that setting is not common. It is much easier to take an experienced RN and teach them hospice than to hire new grads and teach them everything.