[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a hospice nurse, earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain hospice care experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification as a hospice and palliative nurse is optional but valued.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses earn an average salary of about $77K, and RNs are projected to see 5% job growth from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses perform a vital role in healthcare, providing end-of-life care for patients. The work is emotionally demanding, but it can also be emotionally rewarding. Learn how to become a hospice nurse and what they do in this guide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Hospice Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses care for terminal patients in the last six months of their lives. They can work in patients’ homes, hospice care settings, or hospitals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although hospice and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/palliative-care-nurse/”]palliative care nursing[/hen-ui-link] are similar, palliative care nurses work with patients at all stages of illness to improve quality of life, while hospice nurses work exclusively with patients at the end of life.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, social workers, and caregivers to provide support for patients and their families.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nursing emphasizes easing symptoms and keeping patients as comfortable as possible. This usually involves administering medications, wound care, and emotional support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Hospice Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first step in becoming a hospice nurse is earning a nursing degree and then a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]registered nurse (RN) license[/hen-ui-link]. You can pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree. However, employers often prefer a BSN or higher. After gaining experience in palliative or hospice care, many nurses seek certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN takes two years, while a BSN takes four years. The BSN is valuable for career advancement, higher-level positions, and if you plan to earn a master’s degree. If you have an ADN and nursing experience, you can enroll in a one-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] program later in your career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX exam to receive RN licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN is a multiple-choice examination[/hen-ui-link] covering nursing skills, including safety, administering medication and treatments, testing patients and taking samples, effective communication, and legal and ethical practices. Passing this exam enables you to legally practice as an RN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain experience in hospice nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New nurses can gain entry-level palliative and/or hospice nursing experience at hospice facilities, home health agencies, nursing homes, or hospitals. They can also gain hospice experience through internships and volunteering.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider becoming a certified hospice and palliative nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not mandatory, hospice and palliative nurse certification demonstrates your knowledge of hospice nursing and your commitment to the specialty. For certification, you need 500 hours of RN experience in hospice or palliative care in the past 12 months (or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months), a current unencumbered nursing license, and a passing grade on the certification examination from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Hospice Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a hospice nurse requires earning a nursing degree, either an ADN or a BSN, and an RN license. The right pathway for you will depend on your background and goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An ADN is faster, taking half the time a BSN requires. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]ADN programs[/hen-ui-link] typically are less competitive and more affordable. An ADN meets the minimum eligibility requirements for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and RN licensure. However, employers prefer or require a BSN for higher-level nursing positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] High school diploma or GED certificate, math and science classes, 2.0 GPA or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] Nursing skills, communication, nursing principles, legal and ethical considerations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Administering medication, using medical equipment, treating wounds, monitoring patient vital signs and condition, updating medical records[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the ADN curriculum, a BSN program also covers the theory and practice of nursing, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurse-exec-vs-admin-vs-manager/”]nursing leadership[/hen-ui-link], research, and evidence-based practice. This additional education is why many employers require or strongly prefer BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN degree allows nurses to more easily pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] later in their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Requirements:[/hen-ui-text] High school diploma or GED certificate, math and science classes, typically a 3.0 GPA or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Curriculum:[/hen-ui-text] Nursing skills, leadership, data and research analysis, communications, legal and ethical considerations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Time to Complete:[/hen-ui-text] Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Skills Learned:[/hen-ui-text] Medication administration, wound care, taking and monitoring patient vital signs, understanding and applying evidence-based practice, performing basic nursing analytics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Hospice Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You need an active RN license to work as a hospice nurse. Maintaining your license requires verified [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link], such as attending approved conferences, classes, or webinars.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialty certification is not required for becoming a hospice nurse, but it is a valuable credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The HPCC offers the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpcc/credentials/chpn/” target=”_blank”]certified hospice and palliative nurse (CHPN)[/hen-ui-link] credential. Requirements include at least 500 hours of experience in hospice or palliative care in the past 12 months or 1,000 hours in the last 24 months, a current and unencumbered RN license, and passing the certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CHPNs must renew their certification every four years. This involves fulfilling practice hour requirements, continuing professional education requirements, completing an application, and paying a fee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Hospice Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses work in homes, hospice facilities, and nursing homes. In a home setting, they educate family and friends on patient comfort care. Depending on the patient’s needs, hospice nurses work with social workers, clergy, psychologists, and other mental wellness care providers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Hospice_Registered_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link], the average hospice nurse’s salary was $76,589 per year as of September 2025. Nursing salaries vary based on education, experience, and geographic location, among other factors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth for all RNs from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the national average growth of 3% for all jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Hospice Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What do hospice nurses do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care to terminally ill patients. They focus on comfort and symptom management, collaborate with the healthcare team, and provide comprehensive emotional support to patients and their families.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a hospice nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a hospice nurse takes at least 2-4 years, depending on whether you earn a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing. For certification, you need at least 500 hours of experience as a hospice or palliative nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is being a hospice nurse hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Due to the nature of the work, being a hospice nurse can be emotionally challenging. It requires compassion, resilience, and the ability to cope with terminal care scenarios. It can also be rewarding because these nurses ease their patient’s suffering and make their last days comfortable.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a hospice nurse the same as an RN?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A hospice nurse is an RN who specializes in providing end-of-life care to terminally ill patients. All hospice nurses are RNs, but not all RNs work in hospice care. RNs work in a variety of specialties like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/pediatric-nurse/how-to-become/”]pediatrics[/hen-ui-link], critical care, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/how-to-become/”]women’s health[/hen-ui-link], and orthopedics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]