Job Description of a Hospice Nurse

A hospice nurse works in a setting where the patients are terminally ill. They perform many of the basic nursing duties, but must provide their patients with a lot of compassion and emotional support. Some consider this to be a tough job, as there is no hope for the patients.

A hospice nurse provides typical care for their patients. They monitor vital signs, administer medication and work closely with the patient’s doctors. The nurse observes the patients and records any changes that occur. A hospice nurse administers medication that is intended to take away any pain the patient may be having. The nurse and doctors work to make the patients remaining days as comfortable as possible, with little to no pain.

A person working as a hospice nurse requires a special temperate. They must be able to withstand the emotional distress some patients may be dealing with and provide them with emotional support. They may also counsel family members during their time of grief. A kind person with strong emotional control is best suited for this type of nursing position.

A hospice nurse may work in the hospice area of a hospital. The nurse may also work in a patient's home who is terminally ill. The hospice doctrine states that a patient has the right to receive treatment in their home during their last days. During in home care, a hospice nurse will spend many hours treating the patient in their home. They may visit the home several times a day to monitor the patient and administer their medication.