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Exclusive Hospice Nursing Specialty Jobs Ready For You

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Green Bay, WI

  • RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $2,850.82 - $3,029.61 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $39.69 - $46.69/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

Barre, VT

  • RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $2,297.11 - $2,475.90 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $18.00 - $25.00/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

Lowville, NY

  • RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $2,231.98 - $2,385.00 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $23.58 - $30.58/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

St. Johnsbury, VT

  • RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $1,993.48 - $2,146.50 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $52.63 - $59.63/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

Troy, MI

  • RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $1,933.46 - $2,086.48 /wk*

Albuquerque, NM

  • RN 13 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $1,845.09 - $1,994.30 /wk*

Group of ER travel nurses

Discover Hospice Travel Nursing with Host Healthcare

Discover the world of Hospice travel nursing—a journey that goes beyond a profession. At Host Healthcare, we recognize that as a Hospice nurse, you play a critical and, oftentimes, difficult role in guiding your patients and their families through end-of-life care. Understanding the importance of supporting our nurses, we are committed to empowering you to build a rewarding career as a Hospice travel nurse, enabling you to achieve the life and profession you deserve.

Travel ER nurse outside

Dedicated Support For Your Journey Ahead

Our dedicated team at Host Healthcare is committed to supporting you throughout your journey. From the very beginning, our compassionate recruiters are here to listen, understand your aspirations, and find Hospice nursing assignments that align with your goals and preferences. So whether your goal is to work in a top hospital or find a job as close to the beach as possible, our team prioritizes your needs to help you get there.

travel nursing hospice

New Experiences in New Destinations

Experience the adventure of travel nursing as a Hospice travel nurse. With Host Healthcare, you have the opportunity to explore diverse locations across all 50 states while providing essential end-of-life care to those in need. Each assignment brings the chance to connect with new people, cultures, and communities, enriching your nursing journey in ways beyond measure. With Host Healthcare, your dedicated recruiter is there to help you land that Hospice travel nursing job in the location of your dreams.

travel nursing hospice

Comprehensive Benefits Tailored for You

At Host Healthcare, our commitment extends beyond assignments. Health benefits from day-one, continuous learning opportunities, competitive compensation, and personalized housing assistance. Host Healthcare equips you with the resources needed to excel in Hospice travel nursing, ensuring a fulfilling and supportive experience throughout your travels. Your success is our priority as we pave the way for your rewarding journey in Hospice travel nursing.

Empower Your Growth in Hospice Travel Nursing with Host Healthcare

Seize the chance to grow personally and professionally in Hospice travel nursing with Host Healthcare. Apply now and step into the life of a travel nurse with Host Healthcare to create a meaningful life and career where you help others live better.

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Check out these reviews from real host healthcare travelers..

Host Healthcare is amazing! Best travel co out there! Amanda is the recruiter I have & she is wonderful. She is there from the beginning. From searching for the perfect assignment throughout completion of a contract - Amanda is there for me! Host Healthcare treats their nurses so well

travel nursing hospice

Amanda Goad is the most amazing recruiter I have worked with. She is the most responsive and go-getter. She is in constant contact with you or hospitals to get you offers and/or advocating for you. She is super motivated and helpful. If you have the opportunity to use her, you will not regret it.

travel nursing hospice

Needed to move across country to be next to my partner, but blindly jumping into a full time job for a hospital system I was not familiar with was out of the question. Host Healthcare (Natalie G specifically) stood by me and helped me fulfill my absurdly specific requests. I was a first time time traveler and I couldn't have made it without the support I received!
Just finished my first contract with Host Healthcare (fifth overall) and they were amazing! Specifically my recruiter Jenny Berroth. Jenny was so helpful and easy to communicate with. I had a couple issues come up and Jenny was all over them and took care of everything so I could just concentrate on being a nurse, while she handled the rest. I can’t recommend Host and Jenny enough! You have to give Host and Jenny a try, you’ll be glad you did!

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Aya delivers:

  • The most jobs in the industry. We have the largest and most reliable job database, which means the jobs you see are open, updated in real time and ready for you!
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  • Expedited licensing and streamlined compliance. An industry-leading on-time start rate and strong relationships with boards of nursing across the country to accelerate the process in all 50 states.
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  • A best-in-class support system and an exceptional experience. Enjoy accurate, weekly pay, and an entire team dedicated to your happiness on assignment, 24/7.

Plus, you get everything you expect from the largest healthcare staffing company in the industry:

  • Exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment. Want to take time off? Keep insurance coverage for up to 24 days between assignments.
  • A generous 401(k) match.
  • Paid company housing (we'll help you bring your pets along, too!) or a generous housing stipend.
  • Paid sick time in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
  • The industry's only clinical ladder program for RNs on assignment.
  • Access to unlimited continuing education units online.
  • Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements, when applicable.
  • Pay listed above includes taxable wages and tax-free expense reimbursements.

For all employees and employee applicants, Aya is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer, including Disability/Vets, and welcomes all to apply. Please click here for our EEO policy.

  • Bi-weekly weekend travel home.
  • A rental car and paid housing.

With Aya Locums you get:

  • Access to top hospitals and healthcare systems in diverse care settings.
  • Highly competitive, transparent locum tenens pay.
  • Dedicated application and assignment support.
  • In-house credentialing and licensing teams.
  • Full coverage of licensing costs.
  • Travel and lodging coverage.
  • Easy timekeeping and streamlined management of documents.
  • Malpractice coverage and risk management support.
  • Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment.
  • Paid sick time. Aya provides paid sick leave in accordance with all applicable state, federal, and local laws. Aya's general sick leave policy is that employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. However, to the extent any provisions of the statement above conflict with any applicable paid sick leave laws, the applicable paid sick leave laws are controlling.
  • Generous 401k match.
  • Aya may provide other benefits where required by applicable law, including but not limited to reimbursements.
  • Aya coordinates all travel and lodging accommodations.
  • Travel information is received the evening prior to your scheduled departure.
  • Airfare is covered and, if driving to the assignment, reimbursement is available.
  • Once notice is received, communication from our team is sent via email and text to ensure you are kept in the loop as soon as information becomes available.
  • Your safety is Aya's top priority. We work closely with the facility to ensure additional security measures are taken onsite so you can focus on what really matters: patient care.
  • Licensure, relocation and other reimbursements.

Experience the Aya difference today

  • A dedicated recruiter who advocates for you every step of the way.
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  • Flexible start dates that work around your availability.
  • We make it simple with one point of contact the entire time.
  • University of Washington (UW) offers a wide range of benefits as part of your total compensation package. Choose from top medical and dental insurance programs; plan for your future with tax-deferred investing through the UW retirement options; enjoy generous vacation and sick leave policies; and protect yourself and your family with life and long-term disability insurance. For more information, follow the links shown below or explore the Benefits website at http://hr.uw.edu/benefits/

With Aya, you get:

  • Higher compensation - we negotiate on your behalf.
  • Work-life balance - contracts are up to 40 hours per week, with workdays ending mid-late afternoon and weekends off!
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  • Options post contract - extend, convert to a permanent employee or find a new job.
  • Paid company housing (pets are welcome to tag along) or a generous housing stipend.
  • If qualified, continued insurance coverage over the summer.
  • A generous 401k match.
  • A robust team to support you every step of the way.
  • A credentialing specialist to streamline the entire compliance process.
  • Freedom and flexibility around your current schedule.
  • The easy-to-use Shifts app. Select shifts anytime, anywhere.
  • Premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
  • Front-of-the-line access to exclusive jobs at thousands of healthcare facilities nationwide.
  • A robust team to support you every step of the way to ensure you start on time, have accurate payroll and an exceptional experience.
  • Certification and other reimbursements, when applicable.

Privacy Overview

Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments Explained: Duties, Pros & Cons, and More

by Trusted Nurse Staffing | May 11, 2021 | News | 0 comments

hospice travel nurse assignments

Are you a hospice nurse who is looking for a change of scenery or the opportunity to travel?

Or maybe you’ve heard about the rewards of hospice travel nursing assignments, but aren’t sure if it’s the right direction for you and your career.

We totally understand — hospice travel nursing takes a special kind of person, but it’s such a valuable field and can use people with the right skillsets.

To ease your mind and help you decide if you’d like to pursue hospice travel nurse assignments, we’ve provided an in-depth review of: 

  • Hospice travel nursing jobs 
  • What the job entails; and 
  • How to know if the field is right for you 

Keep reading to find out if you’re a good fit for the world of hospice travel nursing.

Table of Contents

What is a hospice travel nurse, what basic requirements do agencies have for hospice travel nurse assignments.

  • What Makes an Applicant an Optimal Candidate for Hospice Travel Nursing Jobs

The Pros and Cons of Accepting Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments

A review of hospice travel nurse salary and benefits.

  • Where Is the Highest Demand for Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments? 

If You’re Interested in Hospice Travel Nurse Jobs, Trusted Nurse Staffing Will Put You Where You Want To Be

Hospice care, often called end-of-life care, is a highly-valued and honorable job, especially in today’s world with a growing elderly population. Instead of providing treatments to extend their lives, hospice nurses are more concerned with keeping their patients comfortable.

A hospice nurse is usually assigned to patients with less than six months to live.

Hospice travel nurses do all the same things regular hospital nurses do, but within standard travel nursing contracts and in different locations.

hospice travel nurse assignment

What Does a Hospice Travel Nurse Job Entail?

Hospice care starts when no other treatment is provided for a serious illness. Hospice travel nurses focus on providing “end-of-life” care to their patients. 

Hospice travel nurses generally provide the same care that a patient would receive in a hospital but are focused on providing the patient with as much comfort, care, and support as possible as they approach the end of their life.

As a hospice travel nurse, your responsibilities would include around-the-clock care involving: 

  • Providing care based on the patient’s unique needs
  • Managing pain and symptoms
  • Providing support to patients as well as their families; and
  • Helping them through the process of death in the most dignified manner 

Additional responsibilities of a hospice travel nurse include: 

  • Ordering supplies needed for care
  • Obtaining all equipment needed
  • Ensuring the patient’s medications are available and dispensed on schedule
  • Performing patient assessments; and
  • Creating a care plan for all medical professionals and caregivers to follow 

But the job responsibilities don’t end there. As a hospice travel nurse, you will likely be working with a team of medical experts and others to ensure that your patient’s needs are constantly being met. Your team may consist of: 

  • Licensed Practical Nurses
  • Certified Nursing Assistants
  • Home health aides 
  • Other spiritual advisors
  • Family members

As one of your team’s leaders, you’ll be looked at as an educator and a caregiver. Nursing assistants, chaplains, and family members will look to you for guidance on how to help their loved ones in their final days. You may also be providing the patient or family members with a deeper understanding of what is happening. 

As a hospice travel nurse, you are your patients’ number one advocate. 

How Do Responsibilities Differ Between a Hospice Travel Nurse and a Hospital Travel Nurse?

The main difference between a hospice travel nurse and a hospital travel nurse is that a hospice travel nurse is going to be providing comfort care as the patient nears the end of their life, while hospital travel nurses work in various settings throughout a hospital.  

Those on hospice travel nursing assignments will generally work in the home of the patient, critical care settings, a skilled nursing facility with the patient, and occasionally in a hospital setting. 

Pronto-CTA

How Long Are Average Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments?

Hospice travel nurse assignments generally last between 8 and 13 weeks. The length of your nursing contract will vary based on need and what is offered by the facility you’re assigned to. 

Trusted Nurse Staffing offers flexible hospice travel nursing assignments with options for 8, 13, 26, and 52-week assignments . If you find that you love your hospice travel nursing assignment in a specific location, our Trusted Nurse Staffing recruiters will work with you to extend your contract. 

Many travel nurses interested in becoming hospice nurses don’t realize that hospice care is still considered a specialized field. 

Hospice travel nurses have been through specific training to provide care to end-of-life and terminally ill patients and support to their families. They should be able to identify the needs of their patients and apply appropriate interventions quickly and effectively. 

The basic requirements of a hospice travel nurse agency may also include:

  • A registered nursing degree — associate degree at minimum
  • A state nursing license
  • A multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

Check with your travel nurse agency for specific requirements.

What Special Requirements Do Agencies Have for Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments?

Depending on the agency you work for, you may be required to be a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse. 

Many travel nursing agencies also require their hospice nurses to have at least one to two years of experience as a hospice nurse. Since hospice travel nursing takes a special temperament, agencies can feel more comfortable assigning contracted nurses to these types of jobs knowing they have already worked in the field.

What Makes an Applicant an Optimal Candidate for Hospice Travel Nursing Assignments?

Hospice travel nurses are often considered unique. 

Every nurse should be compassionate and courageous, but when you’re working as a hospice nurse, it is vital that you are also highly adaptable. 

Working in hospice will require you to get “comfortably uncomfortable” and be able to deal with the uncertainty that comes with end-of-life care. 

Are you someone who:

  • Is able to transition from assignment to assignment easily?
  • Enjoys building relationships with people?
  • Is comfortable with helping someone (young or old) in their final days, weeks, or months of life?
  • Can stay calm under pressure, especially in a crisis situation? 

If you answered yes to all of these questions, becoming a hospice travel nurse might be the perfect opportunity for you. Check the Pronto app for hospice travel nursing assignments in areas you’d like to work.

hospice travel nursing assignment

Whether you are looking for a hospice travel nurse job or are trying to figure out which travel nursing niche is for you, it’s always helpful to weigh the pros and the cons. 

Pros of Being a Hospice Travel Nurse

One of the biggest benefits of being a hospice travel nurse is the ability to make a meaningful difference and everlasting impact on patients and their families. 

Your role as a hospice travel nurse is to ensure that your patient is comfortable and that the family does not have to worry about their health or comfort while also dealing with the intense emotions that come with caring for a loved one at the end of their life. 

Some of the biggest advantages other hospice nurses name include:

  • Being able to give patients and family members quality time
  • Developing strong bonds
  • Being part of a team
  • Offering education and guidance
  • Making a lasting impact and being remembered forever by your patient’s family and friends

Because there isn’t a focus on treating or curing a hospice patient, other elements of nursing care can come into focus.

Cons of Being a Hospice Travel Nurse

Because being a hospice travel nurse also comes with emotional challenges, being strong and passionate about the field is vital — and these emotional challenges can be one of the cons of the job. 

One of the biggest downfalls for many hospice travel nurses is having to say goodbye. 

Although you’ll be dealing with death regularly, the farewells don’t necessarily get easier. 

Maintaining professionalism while also managing your own feelings can be one of the biggest challenges of the job. According to one study , as caretakers of dying patients, hospice nurses have difficulties talking about their emotions and coping with experiences on the job. 

Another one of the cons of being a hospice nurse is the ethical issues that they often face while on hospice travel nursing assignments.

Although something might be best for the patient in terms of medical care, that care could go against the patient’s ethical code. 

Examples of common ethical issues that occur for a hospice nurse include:  

  • Administration of opioids
  • Decisions about life-prolonging therapies and treatments
  • Dignified care; or
  • Promoting independence in the patient’s last days of life

Every hospice case and patient is different, so making decisions about their care when it comes to these delicate issues can be extra stressful.

As a hospice travel nurse, the benefits you receive may vary greatly from those that you receive as a hospice nurse hired as a full-time or part-time employee with a hospital or a local hospice nurse agency.

How Salary and Benefits May Differ for a Hospice Travel Nurse

According to Indeed , as a hospice travel nurse, you can expect to make an average of $83,394 a year, making it one of the highest-paying fields in nursing. 

Hospice travel nursing comes with endless personal rewards, but it also comes with its own set of cons. Benefits for hospice travel nurses will vary from agency to agency. 

If you choose Trusted Nurse Staffing as your travel nursing agency, you will be offered top-notch benefits packages that other nursing agencies may not offer. 

As a hospice travel nurse with Trusted Nurse Staffing, you will receive: 

  • The industry’s highest rate of pay
  • A 401(k) plan
  • Flexible contracts ranging between 8, 13, 26, and 52 weeks long
  • Both part-time and full-time positions
  • 24/7 access to your travel nurse recruiter
  • Overtime and double-time availability
  • The option for weekly, daily, and advanced pay
  • Sign-on and completion bonuses
  • A referral bonus plan
  • License, CEU, and certification reimbursements
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance plans
  • Customized benefits packages
  • Housing, travel, and meal allowances
  • A direct deposit payment option

hospice travel nurse assignments

Where Is the Highest Demand for Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments?

As the American population continues to age and the desire for end-of-life care to be provided outside of a hospital environment grows, hospice travel nurses will become more and more in demand throughout the entire country.

Some of the highest-paying locations for hospice nurses in the United States include:

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Houston, TX

It’s no coincidence that the top-paying locations with the highest demand for hospice nurses are in warm climates where you can find many retirement communities. These can also be great places to explore during your travel nursing contracts.

Does the idea of providing support to patients who need care and compassion in their final moments of life — while getting to travel and explore — appeal to you? Trusted Nurse Staffing can help you find a hospice travel nursing assignment that you’ll love. 

As experts in the travel nursing industry, we ensure that each and every one of our nurses has personal support. We are here 24/7 to provide you with everything you need to successfully fulfill your hospice travel nurse assignment. 

With a simple and intuitive design, Pronto makes it easy to find great opportunities right when you need them and empowers you to take control of your career. Search for available jobs by discipline, specialty, or location and then apply quickly with our easy-to-use mobile application.

Whether you’re interested in hospice travel nurse jobs or another area of travel nursing, Trusted Nurse Staffing is ready to help you find your dream assignment. 

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travel nursing hospice

travel nursing hospice

What to Know About Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments

  • December 20, 2022

Hospice travel nurses provide end-of-life care for patients not currently undergoing treatment for an illness. The job of a hospice travel nurse is to provide comfort and care for patients who have been given a short period of time left to live. Because patients are not actively undergoing treatment, hospice nurses help patients manage pain and symptoms while also providing support for the patient’s family. 

Here’s everything you need to know about hospice travel nurse assignments and travel nurse contracts .

What does a hospice travel nurse assignment entail?

Because hospice travel nurse assignments are specifically about providing end-of-life or palliative care for patients, a hospice travel nurse’s main responsibility is to ensure patient comfort. Responsibilities will include taking vitals, engaging with the patient to see how they are feeling, and monitoring the patient’s eating and sleeping.

Hospice nurses may also manage a patient’s medication, determine which medical supplies are needed for patient care, and coordinate with the patient’s doctors. In addition to those medical components of the job, hospice nurses also act as the emotional support system for both the patient and the family, connecting them to necessary care, resources, and information.

Where do hospice travel nurses work?

Hospice travel nurses can work in various settings, making this type of work a unique travel nurse assignment. Hospice travel nurses may work in their patients’ homes, in a specialized care facility, a nursing home, a long-term care facility, or a hospital. It depends on the patient’s level of care needed and the type of assignment.

How is a hospice travel nurse assignment different from other travel nurse assignments?

A hospice travel nurse assignment differs from other travel nurse assignments because hospice nurses do not treat an illness as they would in a hospital. Instead, they provide ongoing care to ensure a patient’s overall comfort. It’s an essential role to be played, and it requires delicacy, compassion, and an understanding of the fullness of the patient’s needs.

How long are hospice travel nurse assignments?

Hospice travel nurse assignments vary in length, just like any other travel nurse assignment. While the most common length of assignment for a travel nurse is about 13 or 14 weeks, this depends greatly on the location and type of work you will be completing. 

If you’re looking for a hospice travel nurse assignment, check our job board (and specify a “hospice” specialty) for the latest travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations !

How much do hospice travel nurse assignments pay?

Hospice travel nurse assignments can offer competitive pay, especially depending on the location and the organization. Your pay will largely depend on your contract, where you plan to work, and the length of the assignment. 

Here’s everything that goes into a travel nurse salary pay scale and how to understand your pay package . 

What are the benefits and challenges of a hospice travel nurse assignment?

Because hospice nursing jobs require the nurse to be hands-on and involved in every aspect of patient care, a hospice travel nurse assignment is a great opportunity to develop your skills and become a more seasoned nurse. Hospice travel nurses have more autonomy because they don’t work inside of a hospital—and some nurses may prefer this type of work environment.

On the flip side, hospice travel nursing can be challenging because of the emotional toll it can take on providers. The work is very emotionally demanding, and working from a patient’s home can be difficult, especially if the patient’s home environment is unstable or family members are difficult.

How can I find a hospice travel nurse assignment?

If you think a hospice travel nurse assignment is a good fit for you and is aligned with your goals, then we’ve got you covered. Visit our job board to find active and available hospice travel nurse assignments (just specify “hospice” as a filter for the list). At Nurse First, we’re committed to providing the best job offerings with all the information you need to succeed in your assignment.

travel nursing hospice

From a Staff Nurse to Travel Nurse: Everything You Need to Know to Expand Your Career

Travel nursing has been an in-demand career for years now, but the pandemic pushed demand for travel nurses to an all-time high.  If you’re considering making the move to travel nursing, you’re bound to have certain questions. How does travel

travel nursing hospice

3 Tips To Help Travel Nurses Stay Safe During The Pandemic

Nurses have been on the front lines of the pandemic since the start. Whether in traditional nursing roles, in emergency rooms, administering vaccines, or traveling, nurses have been first responders to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic is nearing an

travel nursing hospice

5 Tips On How To Make Your First Assignment As A Travel Nurse Easier

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travel nursing hospice

Exploring the Fundamental Requirements and Education for Hospice Care

travel nursing hospice

Table of Contents

Hospice is a critical part of healthcare, and there are specific healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to providing meaningful end-of-life care. The need for hospice nurses is rising, but knowing how to get started is the first step to embark on this career path. Understanding the hospice requirements and education for this health profession will help prepare you for a successful career as a hospice travel nurse. Once you're ready, working with a successful staffing agency like Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health can help you secure a great travel hospice nurse job almost anywhere in the nation.

Understanding Hospice Care

While the term hospice isn't uncommon, not everyone knows what this field of medicine encompasses. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses when they're at the end of their life, and their families. The goal of hospice is to allow patients to live out their final days with dignity while managing their pain and symptoms. This type of care can be provided in a patient's home, a hospice facility, a hospital, or a nursing home.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice care aims to provide comprehensive medical, emotional, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. The hospice philosophy is that death is a natural part of life, and hospice nurses and team members work to ensure patients can spend their remaining time doing meaningful activities and being with loved ones without or with minimal discomfort or pain.

Some key aspects of hospice care include:

  • Pain and symptom management to keep patients comfortable
  • Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed
  • Emotional and spiritual support through counseling and rituals
  • Respite care to give family and caregivers a break
  • Bereavement support for families before and after a loved one's death

Hospice takes a team approach to care, with doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, therapists, and trained volunteers all playing a role in meeting patient and family needs. Working as a hospice nurse will allow you to collaborate with various healthcare professionals.

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The Difference between Hospice Care and Regular Medical Care

While traditional medical care and hospice have similarities, some key factors differentiate the two:

  • Goals: The focus of regular medical care is to cure illness and extend life. Hospice focuses on quality of life and symptom management as they reach the end of their life.
  • Treatment: Regular medical care may involve aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. Hospice emphasizes comfort care and pain management.
  • Eligibility: Hospice requires a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less.
  • Location: Hospice is available wherever a patient resides. Regular medical care is clinic or hospital-based.
  • Team: Hospice utilizes a full interdisciplinary team. Regular medical care generally involves individual providers.

Who Needs Hospice Care?

Hospice care is for terminally ill patients who have a life expectancy of 6 months or less. It is most commonly used for patients with advanced cancer but is also appropriate for those with end-stage heart disease, lung disease, dementia, HIV/AIDS, neurological conditions, kidney failure, and other illnesses.

Some signs a patient could benefit from hospice include:

  • Difficulty controlling pain and other distressing symptoms
  • Frequent hospitalizations or ER visits
  • Inability to perform daily self-care activities
  • Malnutrition or unexplained weight loss
  • Declining quality of life and isolation

A Travel Nurse's Role in Hospice Care

As a travel hospice nurse, you'll work with an entire team committed to keeping them happy and comfortable in their final stage of life. Hospice care relies on an interdisciplinary team approach to meet the complex needs of patients and families. As a travel hospice nurse, you'll be collaborating with other healthcare professionals occasionally.

This collaborative approach allows the hospice team to meet all aspects of the patient and family's well-being. Even though you're there as a nurse to assist with ADLs and medication management, you'll likely provide emotional support to the patient and their loved ones and education on how hospice works and what will start happening as their final days approach. Overall, a travel hospice nurse's role is to provide compassionate care, ensure the patient is as comfortable as possible, and educate loved ones on hospice care and this phase of the patient's life.

Educational Requirements for Hospice Care Nurses

Basic education requirements.

Most hospice care roles require at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent. Nurses require an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN). You can attend in-person programs or choose an accredited online BSN degree program before you begin clinical rotations. There are other degree programs you can pursue besides a BSN, like a standard RN license or higher education, like an MSN program (Master of Science in Nursing).

Many hospice organizations provide on-the-job training for roles like home health aides. However, foundational education gives hospice care travel nurses the clinical knowledge and skills needed to understand and address patient needs.

Professional Training and Certifications For Hospice Care

In addition to education, most hospice clinicians pursue specialty training and certification in hospice and palliative care to show their commitment to the field and learn more about the specialty. After graduating from your nursing program, you'll have the base knowledge required to start working as a nurse. Before starting your career , you must pass the NCLEX to obtain your official RN license.

Certification requirements for hospice can vary from company to company. Some don't require any outside certifications beyond basic life support (BLS), but if you want, you can become a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse ( CHPN ) through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. Here are some other options to consider:

  • Hospice Compliance Certificate Program
  • Hospice Quality Certificate Program

Hospice nurses who work with companies like Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health can take advantage of professional growth opportunities like Work Study and Clinical Ladder .

Continuous Professional Development in Hospice Care

All hospice care roles require ongoing training and education to remain up-to-date on best practices. Many states have minimum continuing education requirements for licensed clinical roles. For example, nurses must complete several clinical education hours per year.

Hospice organizations also provide internal training on communication, documentation, regulations, and new clinical protocols. Staying current through conferences, webinars, and courses allows hospice teams to improve care quality and address emerging needs.

Key Skills and Qualities Needed for Hospice Care

Emotional intelligence and empathy.

Hospice nurses require emotional intelligence and empathy to understand patient perspectives and provide compassionate care. They must connect with patients facing serious illness and with grieving families. While nurses in any field need this quality, it's especially important for hospice nursing.

Self-awareness, listening skills, and sensitivity enable hospice professionals to relate to patients on an emotional level. This empathic approach builds trust and supports patients through difficult end-of-life experiences.

Physical Resilience

Hospice nursing can be physically demanding, often requiring extended periods of standing, lifting, bending, or walking. Home hospice staff must be able to access patients in their homes and various care settings.

Stamina and mobility allow hospice workers to perform clinical care duties like wound care, bathing, and transferring patients. It also reduces injury risks for both healthcare staff and patients.

Communication and Collaboration

Clear communication and collaboration are essential for hospice nurses. Since you'll be working with other hospice professionals but not always together, being able to communicate effectively with one another will allow you to provide care to the best of your ability. Not only do you need this when dealing with other hospice workers, but you'll need it for the patients and their loved ones.

Looking Towards the Future of Hospice Care

Evolving trends in hospice care.

More patients with chronic illnesses like dementia are utilizing hospice earlier for palliative support. This enables a better quality of life before death. The main difference is that palliative care can start regardless of how much time the patient has left while hospice is for those who have six months or less. Hospice nurses are seeing a trend where they're helping patients with a larger variance of illnesses. It's not just cancer anymore but many with dementia and other diseases.

Availability of Hospice Education and Career Opportunities

Hospice-specific training is increasing. Nurses can earn certifications in hospice and palliative care, allowing them to provide a higher level of care. With aging populations, hospice job growth is projected to increase as the demand does.

Partner with Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health to Launch Your Travel Nurse Career

Hospice is one of the most noble health professions you can pursue. Assisting patients with comfort and support at the end of their lives can provide a smoother transition for them and their loved ones. Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health is here to help you find a hospice travel nurse position wherever you want to be. Our trusted and experienced team takes a hands-on approach, so you'll only have to look through job descriptions that are detailed and match your aspirations and skills.

The benefits are abundant for travel nurses. When you partner with Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, you'll have access to the following benefits:

  • Career growth opportunities like Clinical Ladder , Career Coaching , and Work Study programs.
  • Review job opportunities our recruiters chose specifically for you based on your experience, education, and career goals.
  • Browse hospice travel nurse positions at a variety of healthcare facilities around the nation.
  • Expert 1:1 support for credentialing and necessary paperwork
  • Full Circle of Support, 24/7, 365 days per year.

After you understand the hospice requirements and education and are ready to take the leap, we'll be there to help you start your career. Check out On Demand , our powerful web app, where you can search and apply for hospice travel nurse jobs nationwide.

Is it hard to be a hospice nurse?

How difficult something is will vary from person to person, but many people find hospice nursing challenging because you're helping someone who is at the end of their life. While it can be challenging, many nurses and hospice professionals find it incredibly rewarding.

How many patients do hospice nurses see a day?

On average, hospice nurses will see between four to six patients per day. This can vary depending on where they work, the travel time between patients, and more.

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IMAGES

  1. Benefits Of Hospice Travel Nursing

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  2. Travel Nursing: What is it and How You Can Become One

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  3. How to become a traveling nurse

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  4. All You Need to Know about Travel Nursing

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  5. Travel Home Health Nurse Jobs and Requirements

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VIDEO

  1. Hospice is not always easy

  2. A story about an unforgettable experience I had as a Hospice Nurse

  3. The Rally in Hospice Care

  4. Hospice Nurse Julie Boyfriend Reveal!

  5. Sleeping More and Eating Less at the End of Life

  6. Why I started working in Hospice

COMMENTS

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  13. What to Know About Hospice Travel Nurse Assignments

    A hospice travel nurse assignment differs from other travel nurse assignments because hospice nurses do not treat an illness as they would in a hospital. Instead, they provide ongoing care to ensure a patient’s overall comfort. It’s an essential role to be played, and it requires delicacy, compassion, and an understanding of the fullness of ...

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    CNA - Hospice Aide. NEW! Gentiva Goldsboro, NC. $12.25 to $16 Hourly. Estimated pay. Full-Time. ... nursing home or travel. * Current driver's license and automobile insurance. * Current CPR certification Gentiva is a family of industry-leading hospice, palliative and personal care providers.

  15. Average Travel Hospice Nurse Salary by State & Nationally -

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    Hospice and Community Care Lancaster, PA. $18.50 Hourly. Full-Time. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes are the perfect stepping stone to not only a growing, but ... to travel to York County for orientation with our staff About the training with EMU EMU at ...

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  20. Inpatient Hospice RN Travel Nurse jobs

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  21. Medicare Hospice Benefit Guide to Patient Travel

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