Skilled nurses are trained to assess and help manage a patient’s pain, symptoms, and emotional state. Hospice nurses are also specially trained to provide end-of-life care for those facing a terminal illness, focusing on creating a comfortable environment, providing emotional support, managing pain, and providing other treatments as needed.
At Traditions Health, our teams create a personalized care plan specific to your needs and your wishes and preferences during this time. In addition to providing medical services, your skilled nursing team will partner with your family to help them navigate challenges during the final months and days.
Skilled nurses provide a wide range of physician-ordered services from basic medical care to more complex treatments. With compassion and understanding at every step, they perform a full range of duties, including:
Assessing physical, psychosocial, and environmental issues
Caring for wounds
Coordinating with the care team
Managing and administering medications
Managing pain and other symptoms
Providing equipment and catheter maintenance
Providing ongoing comfort to the patient and family
Supporting and educating caregivers
Managing a comprehensive plan of care specifically designed for the patient and family
Patient
Physician
Skilled Nurse
Medical Social Worker
Spiritual Professional
COLLABORATIVE SERVICES
Compassionate Care
Hospice skilled nurses offer compassionate support to those facing terminal illness. Under the guidance of a hospice medical director, they collaborate with physicians, spiritual professionals, social workers, and other specialists to ensure every patient and family gets the support and quality medical care they need.
Skilled nurses provide a great deal of comfort for patients and their families. Some benefits include:
Greater continuity of care. Skilled nurses provide consistent, high-quality care wherever the patient lives, reducing trips to the hospital or doctor’s office.
Improved quality of life. Skilled nursing services such as pain management and symptom control can help to improve a patient’s overall quality of life to help them engage in meaningful experiences during the time they have left.
Increased patient autonomy. Many patients are able to remain with their families in the comfort of their homes for as long as possible.
Reduced stress. Skilled nurses help reduce stress by providing comfort and emotional support for patients and their family members.
SKILLED NURSING
Frequently Asked Questions
The decision to get hospice care is difficult, and we know you have a lot of questions. If you need an answer about our hospice skilled nursing services that’s not provided here, please contact us and a Traditions Health team member will be happy to assist you.
What is hospice skilled nursing?
Skilled nurses perform physician-ordered medical care that requires specialized training and knowledge. Skilled nurses must have specific skills and be licensed to provide certain services and treatments. Skilled nurses also administer medication as part of end-of-life care. They work closely with family members, sometimes offering professional services such as social work.
Who can provide skilled nursing care?
Skilled nurses must have the appropriate qualifications and licensing to provide necessary patient care. This includes having an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, as well as the appropriate licensing from their respective state Board of Nursing. Some hospice patients need treatments that require an advanced practice nurse or a physician.
Is skilled nursing only available in hospice facilities?
No, Traditions Health skilled nursing is performed in a variety of settings — we’ll come to you wherever you live. This includes the comfort of your home, a hospital, assisted living facility, long-term care, or other medical facility.
How does a patient qualify for skilled nursing care?
Typically, patients qualify for skilled nursing services if they meet certain criteria, such as having a serious or terminal illness. Discuss the need for skilled nursing services with your doctor to determine if you qualify.
Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care at home?
Yes. Medicare Part A covers hospice care, including skilled nursing services, if the patient meets certain criteria to qualify. A doctor approved by Medicare as a hospice provider must certify that the care is medically necessary.
SERVING 18 STATES IN THE U.S.
Locations Near You.
Traditions Health continues to expand across the country to offer access to quality care to those in need. As we grow, we remain committed to our founding values — prioritizing patient-focused, compassionate care, while building strong relationships in the communities we serve.
Our skilled nurses are a vital part of the Traditions Health team caring for you or your loved one. As you seek comfort during end-of-life care, we are dedicated to ensuring you maintain dignity and the highest quality of life possible.
