Certification for Hospice and Palliative Care Administrators
The National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (NBCHPN®) is composed of advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, a licensed practical/vocational nurse, a nursing assistant, a nurse certified in another specialty, an administrator, and a non-nurse consumer member. Board members represent a wide variety of geographic areas, practice settings, and educational backgrounds. The NBCHPNÒ is responsible for the development and oversight of certification for the specialty of nursing in hospice and palliative care.
How is hospice and palliative nursing practice defined?
Hospice and palliative nursing practice is the provision of nursing care for the patient and family, with emphasis on their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs when experiencing a life-limiting illness and through bereavement. This is accomplished in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team in any setting.
Who is eligible for certification?
Candidates applying for the administrator certification exam must submit verification (with the exception of the CEO who self verifies), that would verify the candidate has the equivalent of two years of full time administrative work in the past 3 years in an administrator role that covers the content in the test content outline.
What credential is granted for certification? Candidates that sit for and pass the Administrator certification exam are granted the CHPCA credential (Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator).
Why seek certification?
Certification validates individual competence and knowledge in the specialized area of hospice and palliative care. Certification in hospice and palliative care is highly valued and provides formal recognition of having achieved a standard of knowledge in the specialty.
What content is covered in the exam?
The exam consists of 150 items (questions) distributed across 8 domains of practice as shown in the detailed content outline located in the Candidate Handbook.