Hospice career hub · role

Becoming a hospice LPN — the complete role guide

The hospice LPN (or LVN in Texas and California) provides scheduled visits, medication administration, and skilled nursing tasks under the delegation of the case-managing RN. LPNs are the workhorse of high-visit-frequency patients and provide extraordinary continuity for patients who need multiple visits per week.

By Goodwin Hospice Academy Editorial Team·Published February 16, 2026

A day in the life

A typical day: 5–8 focused visits (usually shorter than RN visits) with tasks defined by the plan of care and the RN’s delegation. Common tasks: medication administration, wound-care dressing changes, catheter care, symptom check-ins, teaching family a specific skill (e.g., how to use morphine sublingual). The LPN reports back to the case-managing RN and does not independently modify the plan of care.

Education & licensing

Practical nursing diploma from an accredited program (12–18 months).
Active LPN/LVN license in the state of practice.
CPR/BLS certification.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Certifications

CHPLN — Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse

The HPCC-administered hospice credential for LPN/LVNs. Signals commitment to specialty and improves earning potential.

Salary reference

Confirm current LPN compensation on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Hospice LPN roles typically pay above the general LPN median because of specialty demand.

We never publish specific compensation numbers here to avoid drift. Follow the BLS link in Sources below for current, verified data.

Entry pathway

01Complete a state-approved practical nursing program.
02Pass the NCLEX-PN.
03Start in a long-term care or med-surg setting to build clinical fundamentals.
04Apply for hospice LPN roles that offer paid orientation (typically 2–4 weeks).
05Consider ADN/BSN bridge programs if RN transition is a long-term goal.

FAQ

Can hospice LPNs write in the plan of care?

No — the RN case manager owns the plan of care. LPNs document care provided against the plan of care but do not modify it.

Should I bridge to RN?

Depends on your goals. Many LPNs make hospice a full career and reach CHPLN certification and high seniority. Others use LPN-to-RN bridge programs (9–24 months, often employer-sponsored) to move into case management and higher earning potential.

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Sources

Educational content only. Confirm current licensure, certification, and compensation data with the linked primary sources.