Top 10 Hospice Nurse Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a hospice nurse’s career because they demonstrate the nurse’s level of knowledge, experience and expertise in the field. This is especially important in the job market, as employers often seek out nurses with certifications to fill positions. Having certifications also shows that a nurse has taken the initiative to stay informed about current trends and developments in hospice care. Additionally, certifications provide validation from peers and other professionals that a nurse can effectively perform their duties and provide high-quality care for patients. In short, certifications can help make a hospice nurse more attractive to potential employers and improve their career prospects.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications available for Hospice Nurses and explain how they can enhance their career opportunities.

What are Hospice Nurse Certifications?

Hospice nurse certification is a voluntary credentialing process that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses (RNs) who care for terminally ill patients and their families. Certification is granted by the Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association (HPNA) upon completion of all requirements, including an exam.

The certification process helps ensure that RNs have the necessary qualifications to provide quality end-of-life care. This includes understanding how to assess physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural needs of both the patient and family. The certification also requires ongoing education related to hospice and palliative care in order to maintain competency in this specialty.

By obtaining the HPNA certification, nurses demonstrate their commitment to excellence in end-of-life care. The certifying body evaluates each candidate's knowledge base and clinical practice experience before granting certification. It also ensures that certified nurses are up-to-date on current best practices related to hospice care. Furthermore, having a certified hospice nurse on staff provides a level of assurance to patients, families, and other healthcare providers that the highest standards of end-of-life care are being met.

In summary, hospice nurse certification is an important step towards providing quality end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families. It not only demonstrates a commitment to excellence but also provides assurance that the highest standards of care are being met.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for your state regarding hospice nurse certification. Each state has its own regulations, so it is important to understand what is required in order to be certified in your area.

Related: What does a Hospice Nurse do?

Top 10 Hospice Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Hospice Nurses today.

1. Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC)

Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC) is a specialized certification for nurses who are dedicated to providing compassionate, end-of-life care. The certification is offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), a subsidiary of the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN). The HPCC offers two levels of certification: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN).

To become certified, nurses must meet specific educational requirements, have at least two years of experience in hospice or palliative nursing, complete an approved continuing education program, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education credits.

The CHPN exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as symptom management, communication skills, ethical considerations, spiritual care, end-of-life care planning, psychosocial support services, family dynamics, pharmacology and more. The ACHPN exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover advanced topics such as cultural competency in hospice and palliative care; legal issues related to end-of-life care; pain assessment; symptom management; communication with families; bereavement counseling; clinical ethics; research methods; quality improvement initiatives; team dynamics; and professional development.

The CHPN exam takes about four hours to complete while the ACHPN exam takes about five hours to complete. The cost for both exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $200-$400.

2. Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) is a certification offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC). The CHPN certification is designed to recognize registered nurses who have demonstrated specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in hospice and palliative nursing. This certification validates the nurse's ability to provide competent care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.

To be eligible for the CHPN certification, applicants must have an active RN license and at least two years of full-time clinical practice in hospice or palliative care within the last five years. In addition, applicants must also complete at least 30 hours of continuing education related to hospice or palliative care within the last three years.

The cost of taking the CHPN exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs $395 for HPCC members and $495 for non-members. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official CHPN certification from HPCC. This certification is valid for five years, after which time you will need to recertify by completing additional continuing education hours in order to maintain your credential.

3. Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (AHPCNC)

Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (AHPCNC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of knowledge, skill, and expertise in the field of hospice and palliative care nursing. The certification is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The AHPCNC is an advanced certification that requires a minimum of two years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) in hospice and/or palliative care. In addition to the experience requirement, applicants must also have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in hospice and/or palliative care within the last three years prior to applying for the certification.

To obtain the AHPCNC certification, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as symptom management, communication, ethical decision-making, end-of-life care planning, and grief counseling. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

The cost for taking the AHPCNC exam is $350 for ANCC members or $400 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, practice tests, and other resources.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been passed successfully, applicants will receive their AHPCNC certificate from ANCC. This certificate is valid for five years from date of issue.

4. Certified Hospice Administrator (CHA)

Certified Hospice Administrator (CHA) is a certification program offered by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in hospice care administration. The program requires applicants to meet certain educational, professional, and experiential requirements.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an approved hospice administrator training program or demonstrate equivalent experience. They must also pass a written exam administered by NAHC. The exam covers topics such as hospice philosophy and principles, regulations and standards of practice, personnel management, financial management, marketing, quality assurance and risk management.

The CHA certification is valid for three years. To renew it after that time period, applicants must complete continuing education credits or retake the exam.

The cost of the CHA certification varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience. For those without an approved training program or equivalent experience, the cost of taking the exam is $250 plus any additional fees for study materials or courses.

5. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Manager (CHPM)

A Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Manager (CHPM) is a professional who has achieved certification in the management of hospice and palliative care services. This certification is offered through the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Care Managers (NBCHPM). The CHPM credential demonstrates a mastery of core competencies related to the management of hospice and palliative care services, including knowledge in areas such as: clinical operations, regulatory compliance, financial management, personnel management, quality assurance/improvement, and public relations.

The CHPM certification process requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in hospice or palliative care management. Applicants must also complete an application form and submit it along with a fee. After submitting the application, applicants must successfully pass a written examination that tests their knowledge of hospice and palliative care management principles.

The cost to obtain the CHPM certification is $400 for members of NBCHPM or $450 for non-members. The exam fee is an additional $200. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the time the application is submitted until the results are released.

6. Certified Hospice Medical Director (CHMD)

A Certified Hospice Medical Director (CHMD) is a physician who has completed additional training and certification in hospice care. The CHMD is responsible for overseeing the medical aspects of a hospice program, including providing medical direction to the interdisciplinary team, managing pain and symptom control, and developing individualized plans of care.

It takes approximately two years to become a CHMD. To get certified, you must have an active license to practice medicine in the United States or its territories, be board certified in family medicine, internal medicine, or palliative care/hospice and palliative medicine, have at least three years of clinical experience in hospice and palliative medicine since completing residency training, complete an approved hospice medical director course or equivalent education program within the last five years, and pass an exam administered by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ABHPM).

The cost for certification varies depending on the institution offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,500 to $5,000.

7. Certified Pediatric End-of-Life Care Nurse (CPEOLCN)

A Certified Pediatric End-of-Life Care Nurse (CPEOLCN) is a professional who has specialized training and experience in providing end-of-life care for children. This certification allows nurses to provide compassionate, knowledgeable care for children and their families during the end of life process.

To become certified as a CPEOLCN, nurses must have an active registered nurse license and at least two years of clinical experience in pediatric palliative care or hospice. In addition, they must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education in pediatric end-of-life care topics within the past three years. Finally, they must pass an examination administered by the American Board for Certification in Pediatrics End-of-Life Care (ABCPELC).

The cost of becoming certified as a CPEOLCN varies depending on the state you are located in, but typically ranges from $200-$500. The cost includes the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with obtaining the necessary continuing education credits.

The entire process can take anywhere from six months to one year to complete depending on how quickly you are able to obtain all of the required documents and credits.

8. Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in Hospice and Palliative Care (CGNP-HPC)

A Certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in Hospice and Palliative Care (CGNP-HPC) is a specialty certification for advanced practice nurses who specialize in providing care to older adults with serious, life-limiting illnesses. The CGNP-HPC credential is offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It requires that the nurse practitioner have experience in gerontology and hospice and palliative care, as well as specialized knowledge and skills related to this field.

To become certified as a CGNP-HPC, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having an active RN license, completing a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care in hospice or palliative care within the last three years, and having either a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing from an accredited program. Additionally, applicants must pass the ANCC's certification exam.

The cost of becoming certified as a CGNP-HPC varies depending on the state you are located in and whether you are taking the exam for initial certification or recertification. Generally speaking, it typically costs between $200-$400 USD for initial certification and $100-$300 USD for recertification.

It usually takes about 6 months to complete all of the necessary steps to become certified as a CGNP-HPC. This includes completing any required coursework or clinical hours, submitting all necessary documentation to ANCC, registering for and taking the certification exam, and waiting for your results.

9. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (APRN-HPM)

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (APRN-HPM) is a registered nurse with advanced training in the care of patients with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. The APRN-HPM provides comprehensive palliative care services to patients and families, including symptom management, pain relief, psychosocial support, spiritual counseling, and end-of-life care.

To become an APRN-HPM, you must first complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program and obtain a valid RN license. You then need to complete an accredited master’s degree program in hospice and palliative nursing. This typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing your master’s degree program, you must pass the certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The cost of becoming an APRN-HPM varies depending on the school you attend and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition for a master’s degree program can range from $15,000 to $30,000. In addition to tuition costs, there may be additional fees such as application fees and exam fees that need to be taken into consideration when budgeting for your education.

Once certified as an APRN-HPM, you will be eligible for employment opportunities in hospitals, hospices, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, private practices and other healthcare settings where palliative care is provided.

10. Certified Home Health Aide for the Terminally Ill (CHHA-TI).

Certified Home Health Aide for the Terminally Ill (CHHA-TI) is a certification program designed to provide specialized care for individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. The program focuses on providing comfort and support to those with terminal illnesses, as well as helping them make decisions about their care and quality of life.

The CHHA-TI certification program typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete depending on the individual's availability and state requirements. The program consists of both classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience in a variety of settings including home health agencies, hospitals, hospice centers, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. During the coursework, students learn about end-of-life care, symptom management, communication with families and caregivers, legal issues related to death and dying, ethical considerations in end-of-life care, grief counseling, and more.

To become certified as a CHHA-TI, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria such as having at least two years of experience working in a home health setting or one year of experience working with terminally ill patients. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the National Board for Home Care Certification (NBHCC).

The cost for obtaining CHHA-TI certification varies depending on the state in which you live; however it typically costs between $500-$1,000 USD. This fee includes registration fees for the exam as well as any additional materials needed to complete the coursework.

Do You Really Need a Hospice Nurse Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. If you are considering pursuing a career as a hospice nurse, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a certificate in order to be qualified for the job. Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care and emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families during their final days. As such, they must have specialized training and knowledge in order to safely and effectively carry out their duties.

In most cases, becoming certified as a hospice nurse requires completing an accredited program and passing an exam. These programs may include courses in end-of-life care, grief counseling, communication skills, medical ethics, pain management, palliative care, and other topics related to hospice nursing. Depending on where you live, there may also be additional requirements for certification such as obtaining CPR certification or passing a criminal background check.

Whether or not you need a certificate will also depend on the type of job you are seeking. Some employers may only require experience or education in the field rather than certification; however, obtaining certification can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs. It can also indicate that you have taken the initiative to gain more knowledge about hospice nursing and that you are committed to providing high-quality care to your patients.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a certificate in order to pursue your career as a hospice nurse will depend on your individual situation and goals. However, obtaining certification can be beneficial if it helps you stand out from other applicants or if it allows you access to higher level positions within the field of hospice nursing.

Related: Hospice Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Hospice Nurse Certifications

1. What certifications are required to become a hospice nurse?

Answer: To become a hospice nurse, you must have a valid RN license and complete an accredited hospice or palliative care certification program.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a hospice nurse?

Answer: Most certification programs require completion of 40-80 hours of coursework in order to be eligible for certification. The amount of time needed to complete the coursework varies from program to program, but typically takes anywhere from 3-6 months.

3. What is the difference between a hospice nurse and a palliative care nurse?

Answer: Hospice nurses provide end-of-life care for patients who are terminally ill, while palliative care nurses focus on relieving pain and discomfort for patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Both types of nurses provide compassionate care and support for their patients and families.

4. Are there any additional certifications that may help me advance my career as a hospice nurse?

Answer: Yes, there are many specialty certifications you can pursue that will help you expand your knowledge base and advance your career as a hospice nurse, such as Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN), Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN) or Certified Pediatric Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse (CPHPCN).

5. Is there any continuing education required to maintain my certification as a hospice nurse?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require ongoing continuing education in order to maintain your certification status. This usually includes completing 20 hours of approved continuing education courses every two years.