Palliative Care Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

palliative care nurse job description

In the realm of healthcare, the focus on palliative care nurses has never been more significant.

As healthcare evolves, the demand for compassionate professionals who can provide, manage, and enhance palliative care continues to surge.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a palliative care nurse?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply curious about the intricate realm of palliative nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable palliative care nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Palliative Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Palliative Care Nurses provide specialized care for patients dealing with life-threatening or serious illnesses.

Their main goal is to improve the quality of life for these patients and their families.

The duties and responsibilities of a Palliative Care Nurse include:

  • Assessing and monitoring patient’s physical and emotional status
  • Providing emotional and psychological support to patients and their families
  • Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician
  • Working collaboratively with a team of healthcare professionals to manage the patient’s care
  • Educating patients and their families on the nature of the illness, the progress of the disease, and end-of-life care
  • Managing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and many others
  • Providing guidance for healthcare decisions, including advance care planning and legal and ethical issues
  • Coordinating resources and services available to both the patient and their family
  • Participating in regular reviews of the patient’s care plan to ensure it is meeting the patient’s needs

 

Palliative Care Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Palliative Care Nurse to provide comprehensive care to patients with serious, chronic, or life-threatening illnesses.

You will work closely with patients and their families to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

As a Palliative Care Nurse, your responsibilities will include assessing patient conditions, administering medication, establishing care plans, and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of palliative care, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations with empathy and resilience.

 

Responsibilities

  • Assess patient conditions and work with healthcare team to form a customized care plan
  • Administer medication and treatments as directed by the patient’s physician
  • Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families
  • Manage patient’s pain and symptoms to ensure the highest possible quality of life
  • Document patient status and maintain accurate medical records
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient care
  • Provide education to patients and families on the disease process, management of symptoms and end-of-life care
  • Coordinate referrals to other healthcare professionals and services as needed

 

Qualifications

  • Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
  • Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in hospice or palliative care
  • Comprehensive knowledge of nursing and healthcare practices
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
  • Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) preferred
  • Compassionate and sensitive to patients’ needs and concerns

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Palliative Care Nurse
  • Work Environment: Hospital or home care setting. This position may require travel to patient homes or other healthcare facilities.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Nursing or Palliative Care Nurse Manager.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $90,000 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Palliative Care Nurse Do?

Palliative Care Nurses specialize in the care and treatment of patients who are seriously ill and in the advanced stages of diseases.

They work within a multidisciplinary team in hospitals, hospices, home healthcare or other facilities to provide care that improves the quality of life for these patients.

Their primary role is to provide comfort and alleviate pain for patients with chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

This involves administering medications, monitoring patient conditions, and implementing strategies for pain management.

Palliative Care Nurses also provide emotional and psychological support to patients and their families, helping them to deal with the stress, anxiety, and grief associated with serious illnesses.

They provide counseling, help patients to understand their condition and treatment options, and assist them in making end-of-life decisions.

In addition, they liaise with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Palliative Care Nurses also often act as advocates for patients, ensuring that they receive the care they need and that their wishes are respected.

Furthermore, these nurses provide education to the patients’ families and caregivers about the disease process, medication, symptom management, and the transition to end-of-life care.

They play an integral role in ensuring patients live their final days in the most comfortable and dignified manner possible.

 

Palliative Care Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A proficient palliative care nurse should possess the skills and qualifications that match the requirements of the job role, including:

  • Extensive clinical knowledge and experience in palliative care, to provide specialized care for patients with serious, chronic, or life-threatening conditions.
  • Strong communication skills, to effectively interact with patients, their families, and the healthcare team, providing necessary information and emotional support.
  • High level of empathy and sensitivity, to understand and respond to the emotional and physical distress of patients and their families.
  • Ability to handle stress and remain calm under pressure, as palliative care nursing can be emotionally taxing and involves dealing with complex medical situations.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, to make critical decisions regarding patient care and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
  • Teamworking skills, to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, social workers, and chaplains.
  • Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations, to ensure compliance with medical standards and ethics.
  • Physical endurance, as the job may require long hours of standing and direct patient care.

 

Palliative Care Nurse Experience Requirements

To become a Palliative Care Nurse, candidates generally start with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and then obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license.

This process provides them with a significant amount of practical and theoretical nursing experience.

Some candidates gain additional experience by working in a hospital or healthcare setting, often in roles such as Staff Nurse or Registered Nurse, where they have an opportunity to work with a variety of patient populations, including those who require palliative care.

After obtaining their RN license and gaining some experience, those who wish to specialize in palliative care often pursue further education to become a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN).

This certification, which requires at least 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the past 12 months or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months, provides a proof of their advanced expertise in this field.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in palliative care often have developed advanced clinical skills, the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, and experience in providing emotional support to patients and their families.

These nurses are usually ready for senior or leadership roles within the palliative care team.

Lastly, some roles may require a Master’s degree in Nursing or related field, or an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certification, especially for positions such as Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner.

These advanced roles often require additional years of experience and education.

 

Palliative Care Nurse Education and Training Requirements

To become a Palliative Care Nurse, one must first complete a registered nursing (RN) program, which includes a diploma, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree from a nursing school.

They then need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to earn their nursing license.

The next step is gaining clinical experience, ideally in a setting that provides end-of-life care, such as a hospice or nursing home.

While not always required, many nurses choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) if they have not already done so.

This degree can provide more in-depth training and open up additional opportunities.

After gaining experience, nurses can sit for the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) exam.

This certification, offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), requires a current RN license, at least 2 years of experience in a hospice or palliative care setting, and a minimum of 500 hours of hospice or palliative nursing practice within the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months.

Continuing education and regular recertification are also key to maintaining and expanding knowledge and skills in palliative care nursing.

A master’s degree in nursing, specifically in palliative care, can further enhance career prospects and may lead to advanced roles such as palliative care nurse practitioner.

 

Palliative Care Nurse Salary Expectations

A Palliative Care Nurse earns an average salary of $67,345 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, geographical location, and the employing institution.

 

Palliative Care Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a palliative care nurse need?

Palliative care nurses need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families.

They need to be empathetic, compassionate, and patient, as they are dealing with individuals who are critically ill.

Moreover, they need to have strong critical thinking skills and be able to make quick decisions in stressful situations.

They also need to have a broad knowledge of medicine and be skilled in pain management.

 

Do palliative care nurses need a degree?

Yes, palliative care nurses typically need to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN), along with Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.

Additionally, some positions may require a certification in palliative care nursing.

 

What should you look for in a palliative care nurse resume?

First, look for evidence of proper education, such as a BSN degree, and necessary licensure, such as RN.

Specific experience in palliative care is also important.

Look for positions held in hospice or end-of-life care settings.

Additionally, any specialized training or certification in palliative care nursing should be highlighted.

 

What qualities make a good palliative care nurse?

A good palliative care nurse is compassionate and has a strong desire to help those in need.

They possess excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.

They are patient and understanding, and they have strong emotional resilience to handle the emotional stress that can come with this type of work.

They also need to be detail-oriented and skilled at problem-solving to handle the complex medical needs of their patients.

 

Is it difficult to hire palliative care nurses?

Hiring palliative care nurses can be challenging due to the specific skills and emotional strength required for the role.

Additionally, there may be a shortage of nurses with the necessary qualifications and experience in palliative care.

Offering competitive compensation, continued education opportunities, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve illuminated the compassionate and critical role of a palliative care nurse.

What’s the takeaway?

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about crafting a comforting environment, one patient interaction at a time.

With our detailed palliative care nurse job description template and real-life examples, you’re equipped to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a piece of a larger, compassionate healthcare picture.

Let’s build that caring future. Together.

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