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

In the evolving world of healthcare, the role of Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses has become increasingly pivotal.

As the healthcare landscape progresses, the demand for compassionate, skilled nurses who can navigate the complex environment of hospice and palliative care continues to rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate dynamics of hospice and palliative care nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses provide care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

They ensure the patient’s comfort and quality of life are prioritized during their final stages.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing and managing patients’ pain and symptoms
• Implementing patient care plans in conjunction with doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families
• Administering medication and monitoring its effects
• Assisting patients with daily activities, such as bathing, eating and walking
• Communicating patient condition updates to medical team and family members
• Providing end-of-life care and support during final moments
• Assisting with the grieving process by providing counseling and resources to family members
• Educating patients and their families about the disease process, treatment plan and self-care techniques
• Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of patient care

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse to join our healthcare team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing end-of-life care to patients and helping them manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of patient care and symptom management, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to provide emotional support to patients and their families.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to patients in their final stages of life
• Manage pain and other distressing symptoms of diseases
• Offer emotional support and counseling to patients and their families
• Develop and implement individual care plans
• Monitor patient’s condition and update care plans as needed
• Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals
• Educate patients and families about the disease process
• Provide bereavement counseling to the families
• Respect patient’s end-of-life wishes and ensure they are met

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Previous experience in hospice or palliative care
• Strong knowledge of symptom management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient
• Ability to cope with emotional stress
• Ability to work in a team
• Current CPR certification

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospice, hospital, or home care setting. This role may require on-call work during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Nursing Supervisor or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $61,330 minimum to $99,330 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Do?

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses specialize in providing care and support to patients who are in the final stages of their lives.

They work in hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, or in patients’ homes.

Their primary role is to assist patients in managing pain and other distressing symptoms of serious illnesses.

This not only includes physical but also emotional, social, and spiritual troubles.

They administer medications, monitor patients’ conditions, update medical records, and communicate with doctors about changes in patients’ health.

These nurses also provide emotional and psychological support to the patients and their families, helping them to cope with the fear, stress, and grief that often accompany terminal illnesses.

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses may also assist with end-of-life planning and decision-making, helping patients and their families understand the progression of the illness and make informed choices about care.

In some cases, they also provide bereavement counselling to families after the loss of their loved ones.

They work in collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals, which may include doctors, social workers, chaplains, and therapists, to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the patients.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses need a unique set of skills and qualifications to provide end of life care and support to patients and their families, including:

• Advanced nursing skills to provide direct patient care, administer medications, and manage symptoms related to serious illnesses.
• Knowledge of palliative care principles and hospice philosophy to guide and implement care plans.
• Empathy and compassion to provide comfort and support to patients and their families during end of life transitions.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively converse with patients, families, and the healthcare team about the patient’s condition, care plans, and possible outcomes.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills to make necessary care decisions in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, social workers, and therapists, to provide comprehensive care.
• Emotional resilience and self-care strategies to cope with the emotional demands of end of life care.
• Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations related to end of life care, patient privacy, and informed consent.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Experience Requirements

To be a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse, the most important requirement is to be a Registered Nurse (RN) first, which usually requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Entry-level candidates usually have less than 1 year of experience in nursing, often through a nursing internship or clinical nursing education.

They can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as staff nurse or clinical nurse in hospitals or long-term care facilities.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of clinical nursing experience often have gained essential skills, such as patient management, communication skills, and technical knowledge on equipment and procedures.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have developed specialized skills in palliative care and have gained experience in providing end-of-life care to patients.

They may have also gained experience in administering medications, providing emotional support to patients and their families, and coordinating care with other health professionals.

Nurses with more than 5 years of experience may have additional certification in hospice and palliative care nursing.

They may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or supervisory position in a hospice setting.

Furthermore, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience, are necessary for this role, considering the nature of dealing with end-of-life situations.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A hospice and palliative care nurse needs to have a registered nursing license, which requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

The program covers various topics including human anatomy, patient care, medical ethics and pharmacology among others.

After completion of the degree, all aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure.

After obtaining a registered nursing license, nurses interested in hospice and palliative care should gain experience working in a hospice, long-term care facility, or a similar setting.

This can provide invaluable hands-on experience and offer a deeper understanding of the specific care required for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

To enhance their skills and knowledge, many nurses choose to pursue advanced certification as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center.

This certification requires at least two years of registered nursing experience, with a portion of that experience specifically in hospice or palliative care.

Continuing education is also an important aspect of a hospice and palliative care nurse’s career, as it helps them to stay updated with the latest medical advances and care techniques in their field.

In addition, strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary, as these professionals often work with patients who are dealing with emotional and physical pain, as well as their families.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse earns an average salary of $67,450 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can fluctuate depending on the nurse’s experience, qualifications, geographic location, and the healthcare facility where they are employed.

 

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse need?

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

They need to have empathetic listening skills and the ability to comfort others during stressful times.

Besides, they should have strong clinical knowledge, including pain management and symptom control.

Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are also crucial as they monitor and respond to changes in patients’ conditions.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse?

Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses should hold a registered nurse (RN) license, which requires completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Additional certifications in palliative care can enhance their knowledge and skills, although not always required.

 

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

In addition to a registered nurse license, look for experience in a hospice or palliative care setting.

Additional certifications in palliative care are a plus.

Soft skills like empathy, compassion, patience, and excellent communication skills are also crucial for this role.

Check for demonstrated ability in pain management, critical thinking, decision-making, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

 

What qualities make a good Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse?

A good Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse is patient, empathetic, and compassionate, understanding that they work with patients at the end of their lives.

They should have strong communication skills to interact with patients, families, and the healthcare team.

They also need to be emotionally resilient to cope with the emotional stress of their work.

The ability to make quick decisions and problem-solving skills are also important.

 

What are the daily duties of a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse?

Daily duties for a Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse can vary, but they often include assessing patients’ conditions, administering medications, providing emotional support to patients and families, collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals in making care plans, and educating families about how to care for their loved ones at home.

They also document patients’ symptoms and treatments, and manage the physical and psychological symptoms associated with terminal illness.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the truly significant role of a hospice and palliative care nurse.

Surprise!

It’s not just about administering medication.

It’s about providing comfort, support, and care to patients and their families during the toughest of times.

With our comprehensive hospice and palliative care nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re more than ready to take the next step.

But why not go further?

Explore in depth with our job description generator. It’s your next stride towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every task, every conversation, every comforting word, forms part of a larger journey.

Let’s embark on that journey. Together.

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