How to Find a Hospice Job
Looking for a job in the field of hospice care can be challenging, but there are many ways to find opportunities in this rewarding and fulfilling profession. Whether you are a recent graduate looking to enter the workforce, or an experienced professional seeking a change in career, here are some tips on how to find a hospice job that is right for you.
Step 1: Identify which roles appeal to you
Research the various roles and responsibilities of hospice workers. Hospice careers can involve a range of different roles, from working directly with patients as a hospice nurse or social worker, to coordinating care for patients and their families as a case manager or administrator. Before you start looking for jobs in this field, it is important to have a good understanding of the various roles and responsibilities involved in hospice care. This will help you to narrow down your search to positions that are a good match for your skills and experience.
For example, there's a vast difference in qualifications and required experience between those looking for RN hospice jobs versus those who are looking for administrative or volunteer roles at a hospice. Here are some of the types of hospice jobs you can consider pursuing:
- Hospice Nurse
- Social Worker
- Case Manager
- Chaplain
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Administrator
- Volunteer
These all have different qualifications, skills required, education required, and responsibilities. If you have zero experience in the field and would just like to gain a better understanding of which role might be best for you, consider applying to a hospice as a volunteer. Volunteering at a hospice will not only provide you with valuable hands-on experience and training, but it can also serve as a networking opportunity to connect with professionals in this field.
Step 2: Pay attention to the soft skills
Hospice care careers do require different types of skills and experience that you can learn from courses, experience, and attending school. However, there are certain skills you'll want to hone on a personal basis. For example, hospice workers need strong communication skills in order to effectively interact with patients and their families. They also need to be compassionate and patient, as the nature of hospice care can involve difficult conversations about dying and death.
Other important soft skills that are often sought in hospice workers include:
- Empathy and understanding
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to work under pressure and handle difficult situations
- Honesty and integrity
- Patience and resilience
Step 3: Build your skills and experience
Once you have identified which roles are the best match for your interests and abilities, focus on developing the skills and experience needed to be successful in those roles. Hospice care job requirements vary depending on the role, so you'll want to pay close attention to the role's requirements and responsibilities before you start building up relevant experience. If you are a recent graduate with little or no experience in hospice care, consider completing an internship or volunteer position at a hospice. These types of positions will provide you with valuable experience and training that can make you more attractive to potential employers when you are ready to start your job search.
If you are an experienced professional seeking a change in career, you may already have the skills and experience needed to excel in a role at a hospice. For example, if you have prior experience as an RN or social worker, your skills and training will likely make you a strong candidate for hospice jobs. However, even if you do not have direct experience working in the field of hospice care, your transferable skills may still make you a good fit for certain positions. For example, if you have experience working in customer service or managing volunteers, you may be well-suited for a role as a volunteer coordinator.
Included in this step is building your knowledge around the role's compensation. Understanding the average hospice nurse salary, for example, will help you make sure you're being compensated fairly for your hard work. (As a reference, the average hospice nurse salary is $86,321 per year in California, according to Indeed.com.) Be sure to look at the salary for the specific role you're applying for as well -- a hospice social worker salary is a lot different than a hospice nurse salary, and you'll need to set expectations accordingly.
Step 4: Start your job search
There are many ways to find hospice jobs. Some people find jobs directly through the facilities where they want to work, while others prefer to search more broadly and apply for positions online. Some of the most popular job search sites that post hospice care jobs include Indeed.com, HealthJobs.com, Monster.com, and LinkedIn.
To start, consider doing a broad search on Google for "hospice jobs near me" as this can help you identify facilities within a reasonable distance that are currently hiring. If you're searching for a specific hospice job (such as hospice nursing jobs), include that in your search terms.
Whatever method you choose, remember to be persistent and diligent in your job search. With these steps, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect hospice job for you.
Step 5: Start applying to jobs
Once you've identified the best hospice jobs for your skills and experience, it's time to start applying! This process will likely include submitting a resume, cover letter, and application form. When you're crafting your application materials, remember to tailor them specifically to each job and company you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific role and organization, while also being sure to showcase your passion, enthusiasm, and dedication for working in hospice care.
Finally, be sure to follow up with each application you submit by sending a short email or note to the hiring manager, especially if they took the time to interview you.
Good luck on your search and the application process!
Looking for hospices near you? Browse through Ever Loved's database of hospices for a better understanding of which hospices are located in your area.
