How to Become a Hospice Worker
It takes a compassionate, caring, and giving person to be a hospice worker. You will be dealing with people who are vulnerable and need lots of attention. A person on hospice care is often incapable of independent living and depend on a hospice worker for assistance with everything. Physical as well as emotional needs have to be taken into consideration. Being able to make a hospice patient laugh is a truly wonderful ability. If you think you have what it takes to bring laughter, love, sensitivity, and support to hospice patients, these are some ways to get started as a hospice worker.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Volunteer at a hospice association. Check with your local hospice office and see if they are in need of volunteers. Becoming a volunteer hospice worker will allow you to see just what’s involved and figure out if it is the career for you. You’ll learn the basics of hospice care and all the legal and emotional considerations. Seek regular employment after volunteering for a while.
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Check your local paper for job openings. There are hospice centers and organizations that do not require prior hospice experience. Keep an eye on your local paper for such positions and apply. These jobs may not pay as well, but they are a great way to start out in the hospice field.
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Switch from a CNA, or Certified Nurse Assistant, position to a hospice worker within the same organization. Someone with CNA experience will make a great hospice worker. You will already have experience dealing with patients and medical care. One place that may offer the option of switching between these two careers is a nursing home.
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4
Study for nursing or another caring profession in college. Getting a degree in a medical profession will certainly give you a leg up on the competition as for as securing a hospice worker career goes. You will have been taught the proper techniques for dealing with patient’s medical needs, filling out paperwork, and bedside manner. A hospice center will give preference to someone with a nursing degree because they know you have experience and understand what’s required.
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Make your resume as comprehensive as possible. Create a resume that highlights traits associated with caring for others. Include any volunteer work, careers that require helping others, and personal experience. If you have a loved one that you provided care for, list this information on the resume, as it demonstrates that you have the skills necessary for the job.
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