Hospice nursing is more than a profession—it’s a calling to provide compassionate, patient-centered care at life’s final stage. This one-hour online course introduces nurses to the fundamentals of hospice care, exploring its philosophy, interdisciplinary approach, and the essential role of hospice nurses. Participants will learn about various hospice nursing career paths, key responsibilities, and the emotional and professional rewards of working in end-of-life care. Whether you’re considering a career transition or simply want to explore the field, this course will provide valuable insights into the skills, qualifications, and mindset needed to thrive as a hospice nurse.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether hospice nursing is the right fit for you and the steps to take toward this meaningful career path.
Course Learning Objectives:
- Define the Core Principles of Hospice Care – Understand the philosophy of hospice, its focus on comfort and quality of life, and how it differs from curative treatment.
- Identify the Roles and Responsibilities of a Hospice Nurse – Explore the various duties of hospice nurses, including pain and symptom management, patient advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Describe the Different Hospice Nursing Career Paths – Learn about various nursing roles in hospice care, such as case managers, on-call nurses, admissions nurses, triage nurses, and inpatient hospice nurses.
- Explain the Hospice Care Team Structure – Understand how hospice nurses work alongside physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other team members to provide holistic, patient-centered care.
- Summarize the Hospice Admission Process and Eligibility Requirements – Gain an overview of Medicare guidelines and criteria for hospice enrollment.
- Discuss Common Challenges and Rewards of Hospice Nursing – Recognize the emotional, ethical, and logistical aspects of working in hospice care, including self-care strategies for nurses.
- Outline Steps to Transition into a Hospice Nursing Career – Learn the qualifications, certifications, and skills needed to successfully move into the field of hospice nursing.
About the Instructor:
Katie Lord, RN, BSN
Katie Lord, RN, BSN, is a dedicated hospice nurse and educator with a passion for improving end-of-life care. With a career spanning both bedside and leadership roles, Katie has spent half of her nursing journey in hospice, gaining hands-on experience as a case manager, admissions nurse, on-call nurse, inpatient hospice nurse, as well as hospice management.
As a wife and mom of three young children, her career in hospice has allowed her the flexibility needed for different seasons of life without sacrificing the professional fulfilment she sought as a nurse. Katie fell in love with hospice nursing because it allowed her the ability to care for the whole patient; emotionally, spiritually and clinically. She provides not only clinical support to patients, but also empowers families during a devastating time, which is the ultimate caregiving experience.
Now serving as the Education Coordinator for the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (ILHPCO), Katie is committed to equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in hospice care. Her diverse background allows her to provide real-world insights into the challenges and rewards of hospice nursing, making her an invaluable guide for those considering this meaningful career path.
