How to Become a Certified Hospice Nurse
Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care at a hospice facility or patient’s home. They aid patients who are suffering at the terminal stage of a disease. Hospice care is closely related to palliative care, which is providing comfort for patients at any stage of a terminal illness. Hospice nurses observe a patient’s condition and report any relevant changes. They monitor the work of licensed nurses, as well as offer mental support to patients and their families.
Instructions
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Enroll in a nursing school to acquire a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Aside from classroom instruction, many schools offer on-site experience in hands-on nursing. Get involved in the school’s rotations in hospice facilities.
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Take an internship at a hospice care facility. Some states may require two year’s experience in the relevant care program as a registered nurse.
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Apply for the certification exam, issued by the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN). Take the exam and acquire the certificate.
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Study the emotional aspect of dying, pain and patient care. Research the most common terminal diseases, as you will be dealing with them every day. Learn how to be a patient, reasonable and empathetic person but also how not to get too personally involved.
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Tips & Warnings
Hospice nurses need to be fully trained so as to avoid exposing themselves to dangerous situations dealing with diseases continually.
Hospice nurses are surrounded with death, suffering and illness on a daily bases; this working environment can greatly influence their private life and mental health.
References
- Photo Credit nurse chris image by John Keith from Fotolia.com
