6:45 P.M. You smile as I enter the room for my hourly check. You mumble that you are not in pain, but I see it on your face as I reposition you. I explain that my shift is ending and titrate your morphine drip. I turn off the light on my way out and ask if there is anything else I can do to make you comfortable. You say there isn't, and wish me a good evening. I leave, silently praying for you on the drive home.
7:00 A.M. You are not awake this morning, but at least you are not in pain. It is Sunday. Your family will visit. We bathe you, and you wake briefly. You decline food and water for the fourth day in a row. You are getting more tired and weaker. You are ready, but your son is due home from overseas, and you are waiting to say goodbye.
12:00 P.M. Family come and go. You wake for brief moments while they are here. Your son has not come. I treat your fever and your pain, reposition your pillows, and offer words of comfort that seem to fall flat, though you never say so.
5:30 P.M. I promised you a while back that I would not let you be uncomfortable. You have fought so hard already. You fought for our country, fought through cancer treatment, and now you are fighting for every breath. You deserve all the comfort I can give. I titrate your morphine again. I know you are in pain. I see you look past me. Your son is here. I feel the tension in your hand release. This is what you were waiting for. It is time to let go, so I let go.
1:00 A.M. I am awake. News of your passing will reach me on my next shift, but I already know you are free of pain and breathing easy. I am glad you left this earth with a loved one by your side. I am thankful I met you, and grateful for your service to our country. Thank you for your kindness to me until the very end.
Rest in peace, sweet friend.
Love, a nurse.
To every hospice nurse: thank you for caring for patients and families with this kind of dignity. It takes a special heart to do this work, and it does not go unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hospice nurse do? Hospice nurses care for patients with a terminal illness, usually with a prognosis of six months or less. They manage pain and symptoms, administer comfort medications, support families through anticipatory grief, and coordinate care across the team. The focus is comfort and quality of life, not cure.
Where do hospice nurses work? They work in patients' homes, dedicated hospice facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living. A large share of hospice care is delivered in the home, which means many hospice nurses spend their days traveling between patients rather than on a single unit.
What does it take to become a hospice nurse? You need an active registered nurse (RN) license, which means an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN. Most employers want clinical experience before hospice. Nurses can add the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) credential through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center once they meet the practice requirement.
How much do hospice nurses earn? Hospice nurses are registered nurses, and the median RN wage was $93,600 in May 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 189,100 openings a year, so demand stays steady.
Is hospice nursing emotionally hard? Yes. Sitting with dying patients and their families takes a toll, and burnout and compassion fatigue are real risks. Strong teams, peer support, and clear boundaries help nurses keep doing the work. The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association offers education and community built specifically around these demands.