How to become A Hospice Care Worker

Hospice Care Workers act as a bridge between scientific medicine and traditional care - they help individuals with grave and chronic conditions live as normally as possible with simple dignity and in relative comfort.

• Hospice Care Aide
• Hospice Aide

What do Hospice Care Workers do?

A Hospice Care Worker would typically need to:

• Provide comfort, support, and comprehensive personal and home care to clients who cannot care for themselves independently
• Assist the chronically ill, the elderly, or those with physical, developmental or intellectual needs in the performance of basic functions specific to the individual
• Sit with or care for an elderly or invalid client in the temporary absence of their family, which cannot provide round-the-clock care
• Help the client with hygiene-related tasks such as eating, getting out of bed, oral care, bathing, grooming, using the toilet, taking medication, and going to bed
• Spend time with the patient; converse with or read to them to make them feel relaxed and at ease
• Take care of housekeeping to ensure the client’s environment is clean and sterile; make certain laundry and cleaning are done and bed linen is changed regularly 
• Shop for groceries and put together meals that adhere to the client’s dietary requirements
• Offer assistance with organising the client’s schedule and planning appointments; drive them to their medical appointments when needed
• Offer emotional support to the client and their family; listen to their concerns and offer advice or mere presence during challenging situations
• Collect and maintain comprehensive records of the client’s health history, medical conditions, medication, allergies, and family situation
• Check the client’s vital signs, dispense appropriate medication, and transfer the client safely between locations
• Administer CPR or first aid if required, strictly in line with current regulations
• Perform non-invasive medical procedures; change bandages or dressings, give massages, care for skin or help with braces and artificial limbs
• Keep meticulous records of care provided; report changes and discrepancies in a client’s physical, mental, and emotional health to a supervisor or case manager
• Make the final days of a client as comfortable and stress-free as possible,if working in a hospice setting
• Welcome clients and their families to the facility, when necessary; ensure they are comfortable, and foster a sense of home in the client
• Perform various clerical duties to ensure the smooth functioning of the hospice facility; assist by filing paperwork and answering phone calls

Hospice Care Workers work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospices, and the client’s home. Regular interaction with nurses, therapists, case managers, and other hospice staff is part of the job description.

You may work with multiple clients during the day or focus on a single one. Travel during the work day depends on whether your clients are based in a single large facility or their residence. If you choose to focus on home hospice care, you would need to travel between the homes of all your clients, depending on what your contract stipulates.

Hospice Care Workers work full-time for around 40 hours/week. They usually work in shifts, so the client always has help at hand. 

Your work schedule will frequently fluctuate depending on the client’s needs, and whether you work part-time or full-time may include evenings, weekends, and public holidays. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Hospice Care Workers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment is possible. 

Hospice Care Workers are generally employed by: 

• Hospitals
• Individual and Family Service Agencies
• Social Assistance Agencies
• Home Healthcare Services
• Hospice Care Facilities
• Nursing Care Facilities
• Assisted Living Facilities For Senior Citizens

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association for Hospice And Palliative Care (IAHPC), are crucial for Hospice Care Workers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Lack of a good work-life balance due to the demanding nature of the profession with its inflexible work hours and shifts
• Emotional stress from working with senior citizens and terminally ill patients
• Stress due to the physical demands of the job
• High probability of back injuries due to lifting and moving clients into and out of bed
• Likelihood of exposure to infections
• Unpredictable nature of work
• Handling the violent or problematic behaviour of a client who has cognitive impairment or mental health issues

To show their commitment to the long qualifying period, every applicant to a hospice care program would benefit from work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust. It will help them understand some of their chosen career's physical and emotional demands.

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their geriatric and critical care wards, specifically for secondary school students interested in a career as a Hospice Care Worker. It can be a helpful way to gain insight into the acquisition and practice of valuable traits such as responsibility, altruism, and compassion.

Joining a cooperative hospice care organisation, where you may also be a co-owner, is  an alternate opportunity to receive no-cost training, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience in hospice care. 

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Accredited certifications in CPR, first aid, and hospice care include practical exams allowing students to demonstrate relevant skills learnt during the course. Basic on-the-job training provided by agencies and companies that offer hospice care further trains prospective Hospice Care Workers before they begin working in earnest.

Read about the profession, perform community service, undertake relevant research work and interview/ job shadow registered nurses, nurse’s aides, and veteran hospice care staff to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. It helps to document any such experiences on letters of recommendation to be submitted with applications to hospice and palliative care training programmes.

The only formal educational requirement for a Hospice Care Worker is a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development); however, some seek further education in the form of a bachelor’s or an associate degree in nursing and social work, while others can land a job without any formal academic qualification. 

Individuals 18 years or older with a high school diploma and recognised first aid and CPR certification may also enrol in a four-month-long accredited nursing assistant programme at a vocational school, healthcare organisation, or medical facility. 

Some educational providers may stipulate passing health and background checks. Completing the course and passing a written exam will help students better understand the ageing process, patient ethics, and primary personal care.

Focus on health and human sciences, biology, anatomy, physical education, yoga and psychology in high school, so you learn about the biological processes and functions of the human body and brain. English and speech classes will help you develop your oral and written communication skills. 

Certification demonstrates a Hospice Care Worker’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Successful certification programmes protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

You can obtain valid credentials in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and basic first aid from a community college, vocational school, or an online programme. Besides helping you acquire essential emergency care skills, these qualifications facilitate entry to accredited nursing assistant programmes.

Potential Hospice Care Workers who earn an approved hospice certification will be able to demonstrate their expertise in spiritual and emotional care, palliative care plans, family support, and end-of-life care.

Although not mandatory in many locations, hospice certification can help you enrol in accredited hospice care programmes, may enable you to register as a bona fide Hospice Care Worker, set you apart from your peers in a competitive job market, and offer better opportunities for career advancement. 

The minimum requirements for certification may range from 500 to 1,000 hours of on-the-job experience and an employment background check, which can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening. Contact your local board of health for accurate information.

Additionally, most Hospice Care Workers require a driver’s licence in good standing as the job entails frequent travel to different locations, including patients’ homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centres. 

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications propel Hospice Care Workers to advance in their careers and become Lead Hospice Care Workers with managerial and supervisory responsibilities. 

A few years later,, you may be promoted to Hospice Coordinator and be responsible for budgeting, patient care, and staff supervision. Self-employment and opening a hospice care facility on your own or via a partnership or co-op are viable options.

With additional qualifications, you could advance to the position of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Hospice Nurse, work your way up to the Registered Nurse (RN) role, and eventually be promoted to Nursing Director.

Candidates with an empathetic personality, a passion for human connections, and the required qualifications, experience, and certifications have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Hospice Care Worker build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD is also essential for the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licences. 

Patient care techniques, equipment utilisation, organisational policies and procedures, emergency response, professional behaviour, observation of vital signs, infection control, and essential nutrition are all part of CPD covered by additional on-the-job training provided by the employer to help the incumbent continue to practice and hone important skills. 

Additionally, each client may have unique preferences that you must gradually come to learn through observation and dedicated practice. You will need to obtain relevant certifications and licences if you wish to go beyond the normal career trajectory of a Hospice Care Worker.

The Current Scenario

An ageing population with increasing chronic illnesses or conditions will require proper end-of-life care in addition to medical care. Hospice Care Workers are well equipped to provide the requisite attention and support. 

As more individuals become aware of the significance of quality of life during the final stages, there will be an increased demand for Hospice Care Workers to meet their requests for a comfortable and dignified death.

Make Their Last Days Count

Empathetic and compassionate Hospice Care Workers can help alleviate the anxiety of patients who dread life and death with equal vigour. Their ability to connect with their clients, be it in moments of joy or sorrow, pain or frustration, and grief or acceptance, is what makes them the perfect companions for individuals who are literally counting their last moments on this Earth.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Hospice Care Workers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Hospice Care Worker has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Only about fourteen per cent of people worldwide who require palliative care currently receive it.

A kind word, a warm touch, a genuine smile, and a compassionate heart go a long way in empowering Hospice Care Workers while they go about helping their clients celebrate life until they meet a peaceful end.

“For most of us working in hospice, it is much more than a job; it’s a commitment to making an impact on the lives of the patients we care for and their families.”

Don Schumacher