Hospice nursing.

Objective: To provide an overview of hospice services provided, and hospices affiliated with home health agencies.

Methods: Published articles, book chapters, and organizational standards.

Conclusions: Hospice programs recognize that dying is a part of life that requires a redirection of goals from cure to palliation. Hospice nursing practice is the provision of palliative nursing care for terminally ill patients and their families, with emphasis on addressing physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs. Conclusions: Hospice nurses must expand their scope of practice beyond the walls of the hospital and home to provide holistic nursing care in collaboration with staff from many disciplines. Hospice nurses need to provide support to the patient and family in achieving the quality of life of their choosing.