[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]2-4 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook[/hen-ui-text]9% increase from 2020-2030(for all RNs)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text]$76,500(Payscale/August 2022)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care offers registered nurses (RNs) a challenging but highly rewarding career providing compassionate care to patients and their families during very difficult times. Palliative care nurses help relieve pain, and they extend comfort and support to critically ill patients or those nearing the end of their lives. These RNs also assist patients and their families with care plans and end-of-life decisions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the U.S. population ages, a growing number of patients will require the skills and services of palliative care nurses. These nursing specialists can expect to find employment opportunities in numerous settings, such as hospitals, assisted living facilities, hospices, and private homes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover what a palliative care nurse does and how to become one.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Palliative Care Nurse Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mt-4″]Nurses who specialize in palliative care provide short-term or long-term services. They offer curative care to critically ill patients or relief and comfort for the terminally ill. They also support families, providing practical advice and bereavement care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mt-4″]Palliative care nurses work with patient populations across the life span. Patients encompass a broad range of persistent, critical, or recurring medical conditions that restrict daily life or reduce life expectancy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mt-4″]While often working with the elderly, these RNs may provide care for patients of all ages diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, or dementia. They also care for patients with life-threatening injuries or those living with disabilities dependent on assistive care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Palliative Care Nurses Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care nurses find employment in several healthcare environments that serve critically ill patients, the elderly, and those in the end stages of life. While hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes are among the most common employers, they also work in veterans’ homes, correctional facilities, and mental health clinics. A growing number of these RNs work in outpatient settings, including specialized palliative care clinics and home care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700 text-xl” align=”center”]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As part of the hospital’s palliative care team, these nurses collaborate with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare specialists to provide curative treatment for seriously ill patients and offer comfort and support for terminally ill patients. They carry out treatment plans, administer medications, and provide pain management. They also educate families and caregivers on the patient’s condition and treatment options.[/hen-ui-text] [/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-700 text-xl” align=”center”]Hospices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care nurses in hospice settings provide end-of-life care for patients with six months or less to live. They generally do not offer curative treatments. Their duties include relieving pain and addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of patients. They assist families with end-of-life decisions, grief counseling, and bereavement support.[/hen-ui-text] [/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-700 text-xl” align=”center”]Home care[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care nurses in private homes travel to patients’ residences or live in their homes temporarily to provide one-on-one assistance. Their responsibilities include providing general nursing care, administering medications, and helping to manage pain. These nurses may also offer nonmedical support such as assistance with personal care and meal preparation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]How to Become a Palliative Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are interested in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/palliative-care-nurse/”]becoming a palliative care nurse[/hen-ui-link], you must first [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]become a registered nurse[/hen-ui-link]. You must earn either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN). Once you complete your nursing degree, you must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination for RNs[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) to [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]apply for an RN license in the state[/hen-ui-link] where you intend to practice. While RNs can enter the field with an ADN degree, many [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/top-advantages-of-a-bsn-degree//”]employers prefer to hire BSN-holders[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After finishing your nursing degree and getting your RN license, you should have at least two years of clinical experience working in an acute care or a critical care setting, such as a hospital emergency room or intensive care unit. This will help develop the nursing skills and coping mechanisms you need to work in a palliative care environment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While an RN license provides validation of general nursing care, getting a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]specialized certification[/hen-ui-link] in palliative care nursing demonstrates a higher level of expertise and professional commitment. It can lead to greater career and salary opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The[hen-ui-link href=”https://advancingexpertcare.org/HPNA/HPCC/CertificationWeb/Certification.aspx” target=”_blank”]Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-link]offers several hospice and palliative certification options for registered nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice nurses[/hen-ui-link]. RNs may pursue certifications as advanced certified hospice and palliative nurses, certified hospice and palliative nurses, and certified hospice and palliative pediatric nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Palliative Nurses Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The rapid growth of the aging population and the increasing public acceptance of palliative measures for seriously and terminally ill patients drive the demand for palliative care nurses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of all RNs, including palliative care nurses, to grow by9% between 2020 and 2030. In May 2021, RNs earned an hourly wage of $39.78, or an averageannual salary of $82,7500, well above the average annual wage of $58,260 for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While entry-level salaries for palliative care nurses may be similar, RNs with BSN or graduate degrees and certifications can achieve higher salaries and greater opportunities for career advancement. In addition to educational background, earning potential for palliative care nurses depends on the type of employer, geographical location, and years of experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Frequently Asked Questions about Palliative Care Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become a palliative care nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most students take between 2-4 years to earn a nursing degree, followed by [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/how-to-master-nclex-style-test-questions/”]completion of the NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link]. RNs interested in palliative care careers should also expect to spend a minimum of two years getting clinical experience in acute care or critical care healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What’s the difference between a palliative care nurse and a hospice?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice care provides comfort and support without offering curative measures to patients expected to live six months or less. Hospice patients may no longer have curative options available or may have chosen not to pursue further treatment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care includes both curative and noncurative support for patients with serious illnesses or disabilities, no matter their diagnosis or the stage of their condition.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What skills are important for palliative care nurses?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to general medical knowledge and palliative nursing skills, these nurses must be keen observers and critical thinkers. Palliative care nurses must function in stressful conditions, caring for diverse patient populations with compassion and empathy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is included in palliative care?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Palliative care provides relief from symptoms and stress for seriously ill or terminally ill patients. Palliative care RNs may offer physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their families. Patients may receive palliative care at any stage in their illness, with or without curative treatments, based on their needs rather than their prognosis.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed August 4, 2022[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”33995,45829,63706″][/hen-ui-article-row]