Hospice Nurse Resume and Writing Tips

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Written by Ayana Dunn, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A nurse in blue scrubs writes her hospice nurse resume.

Hospice nursing is a unique and sensitive specialty. Working in end-of-life care calls for nurses with specific soft and hard skills that help you navigate complex medical and emotional situations.

Your hospice nurse resume shows future employers that you have what it takes to deliver compassionate care during one of the most important transitions of one’s life. Below we’ll share tips to keep in mind when creating your hospice RN resume and a hospice nurse resume sample that you can use as a guide while you write your own.

Prioritize Hospice Nurse Skills

What skills are required of a hospice nurse? Keep in mind that your employers aren’t looking for just any nurse, but specifically one who is adept at aiding patients’ transitions toward death. The hospice nurse job description will provide clues for keywords to use in your resume. Consider referencing skills such as your experience with palliative care, emotional support unique to grief, and end-of-life planning.

Quantify Your Experience

It’s a good idea to include numerical information whenever you can — a good practice for any nursing resume. It gives employers a more concrete idea of your years of experience, the patient load you can successfully manage, and other aspects of your career that can be quantified. You can use your hospice nurse cover letter to delve into your character and other traits.

Pay Attention to Detail

Hospice nursing requires a keen attention to detail, and your resume is the first time you can prove you possess that trait. Ensure that your grammar is correct, that your spacing facilitates easy skimming, and that you use active voice. These details may seem insignificant, but they can make or break your chances of being considered for the position.

Hospice Nurse Resume Sample

Use the sample resume below as guidance for creating your own resume. Remember to avoid any temptation to copy and paste it — adding your own flair is what will make your resume impactful.

Maya Assefa, RN

Cherry Blossom, OH firstlast@email.com (555) 555-5555

Compassionate nurse with 20 years of experience in hospice care. Comfortable with all developmental stages due to broad nursing experience. Advocate for patient needs and desires during end-of-life care.

Key Qualifications

  • Experienced with palliative care
  • Educated in grief counseling
  • Certified hospice and palliative nurse

Education

Oak University, Dayton, OH, 20XX

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Professional Experience

Pine Manor, Hospice Nurse, 20XX–present

  • Communicated pertinent information to patients, staff, and family members of hospice patients.
  • Developed individualized care plans based on each patient’s needs and goals.
  • Promoted end-of-life dignity by respecting each patient’s wishes while providing support for the family.
  • Minimized pain and symptoms of five patients to improve their quality of life.

Spruce Home, Hospice Nurse, 20XX–20XX

  • Provided palliative care to four hospice patients per shift.
  • Collaborated with staff, patients, and families to ensure patients’ needs and wishes were being addressed.
  • Assisted families with finding grief counselors.
  • Assessed patients’ physical decline and documented findings.

Skills

Fluent in Spanish; Conversational Amharic; Powerchart; Epic

Certifications and Licenses

  • Basic life support (BLS)
  • Registered nurse (RN)
  • Certified hospice and palliative nurse (CPHN)

Hospice Nurse Salary

A hospice nurse’s average salary is $82,455 and can range between $75,179 and $94,325 per year. This amount can fluctuate depending on experience, geographic location, and the type of facility. Look at the current salaries for RN hospice jobs on IntelyCare to see what registered nurses are being offered.

Ready to Use Your Hospice Nurse Resume?

Once you apply these resume suggestions and use the sample resume for inspiration, you’ll be on the right track toward your new job. When you’re ready to search for a new role, check out the available hospice jobs on IntelyCare.