Home Health Care and Hospice Nurses

Previous nursing experience, preferably in acute care, is often required in this field.

Home health care and hospice nurses need broad experience dealing with patients suffering from a variety of illnesses. They must be able to work smoothly as part of a team that includes physicians, social workers, and other health care professionals. The ability to deal successfully with stress is also important, especially in helping terminally ill patients who are trying to cope with the end of their lives. Therefore, nurses must be able to listen to their patients, understand their needs, and respond with empathy and understanding.

Home health care and hospice nurses should feel comfortable working with patients of all ages and people from all cultural backgrounds. Good communication skills are essential, including the ability to listen and respond to the patients' needs. Home health care and hospice nurses must be able to work independently, have good organizational skills, and also have the ability to supervise aides and other support people. Flexibility is also a requirement because duties vary greatly from hour to hour and day to day. Many hospice nurses are on call and their work is mentally stressful.