Question about becoming a hospice nurse

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if any would could enlighten me about becoming a hospice nurse. I graduated about a year ago and am a LPN. I have only worked in the ambulatory setting, except of course the clinicals I did at the hospital, which was 2 semesters worth of time.

So anyways do you know if they accept new nurses and train them or do you need hospital or ltc experience first. Around here they are looking for LPN prn concentrated care nurses.

I have thought about applying but have not as of yet. The only experience I have with hospice is that my dad was on hospice up untill the time of his death and I was really impressed with the care he recieved and the nurse who took care of him. I believe this is something I could do and feel like I am making a difference.

So any advice and thoughts on this is greatly appreciated.

[aimeee, BSN, RN]

This question comes up regularly here and there is not one hard and fast answer. Most hospices consider the ideal candidate to be one who has had a variety of experiences which include some exposure to care of the dying. A hospice nurse needs excellent assessment skills, the ability to work very independently, great critical thinking ability, as well as superlative interpersonal skills. I think "concentrated care" is continuous home care level. You might ask to job shadow someone on a case and see if it is a good fit for you.