A hospice nurse is a medical professional who cares for patients who have been diagnosed with six months or less to live and have chosen hospice care at the end of life. Hospice nurses are responsible for helping care for terminally ill patients as they near the end of their lives, keeping them comfortable instead of providing treatments that extend their lives. They provide individualized care based on each person’s unique needs. Here are some of the key responsibilities of a hospice nurse:

• Managing symptoms and pain: A large part of hospice nursing is helping a patient feel comfortable as they end their life. Hospice nurses are responsible for talking to patients to understand if they are in pain, helping administer medication, and documenting what symptoms and medication a patient has.

• Helping during crisis situations: End-of-life care often means that a patient can face crisis situations where they are close to death. A hospice nurse is responsible for providing emotional support to family members, many of whom are in the early stages of grieving in anticipation of their loved one’s death.

• Monitoring vital signs: Hospice nurses are tasked with measuring and monitoring patients’ vital signs, which can indicate the progression of their disease and also reveal when additional interventions may be needed.

• Administering medication: Hospice nurses provide prescription drugs, IV drip, or shots for patients to make them feel better rather than get better.

• Performing patient assessments: Hospice nurses perform patient assessments and review medical histories. They monitor vitals and assess breathing. They ask patients about their pain and monitor pressure ulcers (wounds).

• Educating and guiding: Hospice nurses educate caregivers on administering medicines, daily grooming and care, safety measures, and assistance with activities of daily living. They also educate caregivers on the signs of active dying.

• Providing emotional support: Hospice nurses provide emotional support, answer questions, and offer dignity to the patient in their final days. They offer a calming presence to patients and families dealing with anxiety, fear, and difficult emotions.

Hospice nurses must be licensed in the state where they work, and many are also certified hospice and palliative care nurses. They work in a variety of settings, including patients homes, assisted living or nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, or inpatient hospice centers.