Pediatric Hospice Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the need for pediatric hospice nurses has never been more crucial.

As the medical field advances, the demand for compassionate, skilled professionals who can provide palliative care for children in their last phase of life grows significantly.

But let’s delve into specifics: What’s truly expected from a pediatric hospice 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 multifaceted role of pediatric hospice nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we’re introducing a customizable pediatric hospice nurse job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Hospice Nurses provide end-of-life care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

They use their skills and compassion to help manage symptoms, provide emotional support, and ensure the highest quality of life for their young patients during their final days.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assess and monitor the patient’s condition regularly
• Administer medications and treatments to manage pain and other symptoms
• Assist with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding the patient
• Provide emotional and psychological support to the patient and their family
• Coordinate care with other healthcare professionals such as doctors and social workers
• Develop and implement personalized care plans for each patient
• Educate and guide families on how to care for the patient at home
• Help families with the grieving process
• Document patient care and update medical records
• Respect and uphold the patient’s and family’s cultural and religious beliefs

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a compassionate Pediatric Hospice Nurse to provide palliative care to infants, children, and adolescents with life-limiting illnesses.

The Pediatric Hospice Nurse will work closely with patients and their families to manage pain and other symptoms, provide emotional support, and educate them about their conditions.

The ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of end-of-life care, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to handle emotionally challenging situations.

Familiarity with pediatric care and hospice principles is a must.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ condition and implement care plans
• Administer medication and provide treatments in accordance with patients’ care plans
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about the illness and care requirements
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to ensure patients receive the best possible care
• Monitor patients’ condition and adjust care plans as necessary
• Document patient care and update medical records
• Ensure the comfort and dignity of patients at all times

 

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Proven work experience as a pediatric nurse or hospice nurse
• Knowledge of pediatric diseases and treatments
• Understanding of hospice care and philosophy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach
• Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations
• Current CPR certification
• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Hospice Nurse
• Work Environment: Hospital or in-home setting. The position may require travel to patients’ homes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Hospice Nurse or Hospice Care Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-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 Pediatric Hospice Nurse Do?

Pediatric Hospice Nurses provide specialized end-of-life care for infants, children, and adolescents with terminal illnesses.

They work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, hospices, or the patient’s home.

Their primary role involves managing the physical needs of the child, which includes administering medication for pain and symptom relief, assisting with personal care, and monitoring the child’s health condition.

They also provide emotional support to the child and their families during this challenging time.

They help families understand and navigate through the process of end-of-life care, decision-making, and bereavement support.

Pediatric Hospice Nurses work closely with a multi-disciplinary team, which includes doctors, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan tailored to the child’s needs.

They provide education to the family members on how to care for the child at home and offer resources for additional support.

They are also responsible for documenting the patient’s progress and communicating updates to the healthcare team.

Pediatric Hospice Nurses are advocates for the child, ensuring they receive the best possible care and are comfortable during the end-of-life process.

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Hospice Nurse should have the skills and qualifications that are crucial for this sensitive and demanding role, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of pediatric nursing and palliative care to provide adequate physical and emotional support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
• Exceptional communication skills to discuss and provide clear and empathetic explanations of procedures, treatment plans, and medical conditions to both the child and their family.
• Strong emotional resilience and stability to cope with the stress and difficulties of working with seriously ill children and their distressed family members.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish a comforting presence and build trust with patients and their families during a highly emotional time.
• Profound ability to show compassion, understanding, and patience, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly assess and respond to a patient’s changing condition or a family’s needs.
• Time management skills to efficiently balance the care of multiple patients and complete necessary medical paperwork.

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Experience Requirements

Pediatric Hospice Nurses are typically required to have a minimum of 2 to 3 years of nursing experience, often with a focus on pediatric care.

This could be gained through working in a pediatric ward, in a children’s hospital, or in family practice.

Some pediatric hospice nurses may gain initial experience through internships or residencies in pediatric nursing.

These programs can provide invaluable hands-on experience in working with children in a medical setting.

It is also beneficial for these professionals to have experience in a hospice or palliative care setting.

This could be gained by working in an adult hospice setting or through a hospice nursing internship.

Those with more than 5 years of pediatric nursing experience may often have a deeper understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of children and families dealing with serious illness.

They may also be more experienced in managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional support, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.

Additionally, those with more than 7 years of experience, especially in hospice care, may be ready for roles with increased responsibility, such as a charge nurse or team leader.

These roles often require strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise and guide a team of healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, a Pediatric Hospice Nurse must possess a Registered Nurse (RN) license, and additional certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and hospice and palliative care nursing can be advantageous.

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Hospice Nurse, one must first become a Registered Nurse (RN) by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), or completing a nursing diploma program from a hospital.

After completing the nursing degree or diploma program, the candidate must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Some hospice nurses choose to earn a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) to further specialize in pediatric hospice care.

This advanced degree provides more in-depth training in the care of children who are critically ill or dying.

Pediatric Hospice Nurses are also required to have a Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, which focuses on providing life-saving care to critically ill or injured children.

Furthermore, gaining the Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN) certification from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) is highly recommended.

This credential demonstrates the nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills in this field.

In addition to formal education and licensure, Pediatric Hospice Nurses should possess excellent communication and emotional support skills, as they often work with families dealing with the grief of losing a child.

Ongoing education and training in grief counseling and end-of-life care are also beneficial.

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Hospice Nurse earns an average salary of $65,870 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on the nurse’s level of experience, additional certifications, geographical location, and the healthcare institution.

 

Pediatric Hospice Nurse Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Hospice Nurse need?

Pediatric Hospice Nurses should have excellent communication skills to connect with children, their families, and medical teams effectively.

They need strong observation skills to identify the needs and pain levels of their patients.

Empathy, compassion, and patience are crucial for this role, as is the ability to make decisions in high-stress situations.

 

What are the qualifications required for a Pediatric Hospice Nurse?

A Pediatric Hospice Nurse must be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a degree in nursing.

They should also possess a pediatric nursing certification and experience in pediatric and hospice care.

They must be licensed to practice in their state and should ideally have certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and/or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

 

What does a typical day look like for a Pediatric Hospice Nurse?

A Pediatric Hospice Nurse starts their day by reviewing the medical reports of their patients.

They monitor the symptoms, administer medication, and manage pain relief for the children under their care.

They spend a significant amount of time comforting the patients and their families, providing education about the condition, and answering their queries.

They also communicate with the broader healthcare team, updating them on the patient’s condition and any necessary changes in the care plan.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Hospice Nurse?

A good Pediatric Hospice Nurse is compassionate, patient, and understanding.

They are skilled at comforting and providing emotional support to both patients and their families.

They have excellent communication skills, enabling them to explain complex medical conditions and procedures in a way that patients and families can understand.

A good Pediatric Hospice Nurse is also resilient and able to manage the emotional challenges of working with terminally ill children.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Pediatric Hospice Nurse?

Hiring a Pediatric Hospice Nurse can be challenging due to the specialized skills and emotional resilience required for the role.

It can be difficult to find nurses with the necessary experience in both pediatric and hospice care.

Employers must be ready to provide a supportive work environment and adequate compensation to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the pivotal role of a pediatric hospice nurse.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about providing medical care.

It’s about offering compassion, comfort, and understanding to children in their most challenging times.

With our comprehensive pediatric hospice nurse job description template and concrete examples, you’re ready to make that important career move.

But don’t limit yourself just yet.

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every act of care contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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