Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare realm, the role of Hospice and Pallifactive Care Acupuncturists has never been more significant.

As the importance of holistic and alternative treatments in patient care continues to rise, so too does the demand for professionals who can deliver compassionate, specialized acupuncture therapies for those in hospice and palliative care.

But let’s delve deeper: What exactly is expected from a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A healthcare provider searching for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the world of acupuncture in hospice and palliative care,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right in.

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Duties and Responsibilities

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists provide specialized care to patients with severe, life-limiting illnesses.

They use traditional Chinese medicine techniques, primarily acupuncture, to help alleviate the physical and emotional distress that accompanies such conditions.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluate patient’s health condition and medical history
• Develop individualized treatment plans that align with patients’ overall care objectives
• Perform acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine techniques to alleviate pain and improve quality of life
• Monitor patient’s response to treatment and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan
• Provide education to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals about the benefits and risks of acupuncture
• Maintain detailed records of patient’s health condition, treatment plans, and progress
• Comply with all health and safety regulations, including maintaining sterilization of acupuncture needles and equipment
• Collaborate with the broader palliative care team to ensure integrated, comprehensive care for the patient

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist to join our team.

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the benefits of acupuncture in palliative care and be comfortable working with patients in end-of-life care.

The Acupuncturist will be responsible for creating treatment plans, performing acupuncture treatments, and working closely with the rest of the palliative care team to provide holistic, comfort-based care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient conditions based on medical history and physical examination
• Develop and implement acupuncture treatment plans
• Provide acupuncture care to alleviate pain and enhance the quality of life for patients
• Work alongside palliative care team members to provide comprehensive patient care
• Educate patients and their families about acupuncture and its benefits
• Maintain patient records and treatment notes
• Follow infection control procedures and adhere to the ethical principles of acupuncture

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a licensed Acupuncturist, preferably in a hospice or palliative care setting
• Knowledge of acupuncture techniques and procedures
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain treatments to patients and their families
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach
• Strong understanding of the principles of palliative care and comfort-focused treatment
• A current license to practice acupuncture
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist
• Work Environment: Hospice care facilities, patient homes, and/or hospital settings
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Palliative Care
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and proof of your acupuncture license to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Do?

A Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist is a healthcare professional who specializes in applying the principles of acupuncture to patients in a hospice or palliative care setting.

They are trained to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients who are dealing with serious illnesses or life-threatening diseases, using acupuncture as a method of pain management and symptom relief.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, to provide an integrative approach to end-of-life care.

Their role involves assessing the patient’s condition, and then planning and administering appropriate acupuncture treatments.

These treatments aim to reduce physical discomfort, manage side effects of medications or treatments, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life.

They must be familiar with a range of acupuncture techniques, including auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and electroacupuncture.

These professionals must also be knowledgeable about other holistic and complementary therapies that may benefit their patients.

As part of their role, Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists are also involved in educating patients and their families about the benefits and potential risks of acupuncture, and how it can support their care plan.

They often provide consultation and support, to help patients and their families make informed decisions about their care.

Due to the sensitive nature of their work, these specialists must demonstrate empathy, patience, and excellent communication skills.

They are often responsible for providing emotional support to patients and their families during this difficult time.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Qualifications and Skills

A Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist should possess a range of technical and soft skills to provide the best holistic care for patients including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of acupuncture techniques, Chinese medicine, and holistic healing principles in order to assess and treat patients.
• Strong understanding of palliative care to provide comfort and improve quality of life for patients facing serious illness.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients, their families, and other healthcare providers, understanding the unique needs and concerns of those in hospice care.
• Empathy and compassion to provide emotional support and comfort to patients during their treatment sessions.
• Excellent communication skills to explain treatment plans, discuss patient concerns and progress, and collaborate with other healthcare providers.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt and modify treatments based on patient response and progression of illness.
• Physical stamina and dexterity for performing precise acupuncture procedures and for standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Current licensure and certification in acupuncture, and a clear understanding of medical regulations and ethical guidelines related to patient care in a hospice and palliative setting.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Experience Requirements

To become a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist, candidates usually need to have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience practicing acupuncture.

This experience can be gained through internships, part-time roles, or full-time roles at acupuncture clinics, wellness centers, or other healthcare facilities.

In addition to this, practitioners often need specialized training and experience in the field of hospice and palliative care.

This can be gained through formal education, specialized courses, or through roles in hospice care environments.

Practitioners should be comfortable with providing care to patients with serious or life-threatening conditions and have an understanding of the unique emotional and physical needs of these patients.

Advanced positions may require over 5 years of experience and may also require the practitioner to have experience in a leadership or managerial role.

In these cases, practitioners may be responsible for overseeing a team of acupuncturists or other healthcare providers, coordinating patient care, and making strategic decisions regarding the implementation of acupuncture treatment in a hospice setting.

Candidates for all roles should have a state license to practice acupuncture, and many employers also require certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Some employers may also require additional certification or training in hospice and palliative care.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Education and Training Requirements

A Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist typically has a Master’s degree or Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from an accredited program.

Courses in these programs often include anatomy, physiology, pathology, acupuncture, herbal studies, and hands-on clinical training.

Beyond the basic education, acupuncturists interested in working in hospice and palliative care settings often pursue additional specialized training in pain management, end-of-life care, and emotional/spiritual wellness support.

All states require acupuncturists to be licensed or certified to practice.

The requirements for this usually include graduating from an accredited program and passing a state or national exam.

Some acupuncturists also choose to obtain certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to further demonstrate their professional competency and dedication to the field.

Furthermore, acupuncturists should have solid knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of patients in hospice and palliative care, including empathetic communication skills, patience, and the ability to provide comfort to patients and their families during challenging times.

Continued professional development and education are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest techniques and research in both acupuncture and palliative care.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist is around $75,000 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, the level of specialized training, geographic location, and the nature of the employing organization.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist need?

Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as they work closely with patients and their families.

They need to be empathetic, understanding, and patient, particularly as they are dealing with individuals who are critically ill or nearing the end of life.

Technical skills in acupuncture are a given, but they also need to have a deep understanding of pain management, symptom control, and the principles of palliative care.

 

Do Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists need a degree?

Yes, Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists typically need at least a Master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from an accredited institution.

They will also need to be licensed to practice in their state and have specific training or certification in palliative care or hospice care.

 

What should you look for in a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist resume?

A Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist should have a valid license and degree in their resume, along with any certifications in hospice and palliative care.

Look for experience in hospital or hospice settings, as this indicates they are accustomed to working with critically ill patients.

Any additional training in pain management, counselling, or end-of-life care should also be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist?

A good Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist is compassionate, patient, and has excellent communication skills.

They should be able to provide comfort and reassurance to patients and their families during a challenging time.

They should also be knowledgeable and skillful in their acupuncture techniques and able to adapt their approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.

 

Is it difficult to hire Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists?

Finding qualified Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturists can be challenging due to the specific skill set and emotional resilience needed for this role.

However, offering competitive salaries, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and fostering a supportive work environment can help attract top professionals in this field.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve demystified what it truly means to be a Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not merely about needle placement.

It’s about weaving a tapestry of comfort and care, one acupuncture point at a time.

With our ready-to-use Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncturist job description template and real-life instances, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your journey there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating meticulously tailored job listings or refining your CV to the pinnacle of perfection.

Do remember:

Every acupuncture point is a part of a larger healing process.

Let’s embark on this journey of care. Together.

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