HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE NURSE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Jul 17, 2025 - The Hospice and Palliative Nurse holds an active RN license and possesses clinical experience in hospice, palliative, home, or geriatric care, along with certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing. This role demands strong knowledge of end-of-life care philosophies, pain and symptom management, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration while also serving as mentors and educators. The nurse also has effective communication, leadership, time management skills, and proficiency with healthcare information systems.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Hospice and Palliative Nurse Resume
  • Pain Management
  • Care Planning
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Needs Assessment
  • Record Keeping
  • Quality Improvement
  • Patient Assessment
  • Education Design
  • Symptom Monitoring
  • Care Coordination
  • Team Collaboration
  • Emotional Support
  • Decision Making
  • Community Education
  • Relationship Building
  • Critical Thinking
  • Client Advocacy
  • Goal Setting
  • Feedback Delivery
  • Mentoring Skills

Summary of Hospice and Palliative Nurse Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Nursing with 2 years of Experience

  • Possess an RN license and a Nursing license.
  • Experience in nursing, hospice, or home care.
  • Completion of Hospice Staff training instead of Hospice experience.
  • Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care 
  • Knowledge of Hospice philosophy of care and ability to integrate this philosophy into the care of the hospice patient/family.
  • Ability to communicate the hospice philosophy and appropriate hospice nursing care of the hospice patient/family to other members of the professional, paraprofessional, and volunteer staff working with the hospice patient/family.
  • Knowledge of pain and symptom management and nursing interventions in palliative terminal care.
  • Ability and willingness to keep current in Hospice and Palliative Care through ongoing education.

2. BA in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Currently practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and/or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP). 
  • Clinical nursing experience in the designated clinical area, including experience in a supervisory/leadership role, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 
  • Completion of an applicable Canadian Nursing Association (CNA) certificate in the designated clinical area.
  • Ability to utilize interpersonal skills to establish and maintain relationships within the medical community
  • Demonstrates ability to work as a team player and function as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
  • Effectively communicates in writing and orally with patients/families and other health team members.
  • Demonstrates and promotes professional practice of all members of the nursing care team.

3. BS in Health Sciences with 5 years of Experience

  • Equivalent clinical experience and BSN.
  • Current unencumbered California Registered Nurse licensure
  • Nursing experience and clinical experience in geriatrics, palliative, end-of-life, or similar clinical experience
  • Be able to demonstrate clinical expertise in the field of geriatrics, palliative, and end-of-life care
  • Knowledge and application of evidence-based clinical principles, clinical guidelines, and practice standards in the care and management of people living with serious advanced illness
  • Have a skilled communicator with demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Be able to educate and mentor others
  • Demonstrate effective time management, prioritization, and documentation skills
  • Proficient with Information Systems and computer program management
  • Possess Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification
Relevant Information
Care Nurse Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements