OPT Hospice Registered Nurse Jobs
Hospice Registered Nurse jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a valid nursing license and active EAD. Most roles require NCLEX-RN passage and state licensure before your start date. STEM OPT extension does not apply to nursing, so a 12-month timeline is your primary window.
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INTRODUCTION
As an inpatient registered nurse (RN), you will ensure hospice patients are comfortable during their end-of-life journeys and forge compassionate, meaningful connections with the people in their lives.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You will:
- Provide comfort-focused inpatient nursing care for hospice patients whose symptoms become too severe to be managed at home.
- Work on a team of interdisciplinary hospice clinicians, including LPNs, aides, chaplains, social workers and physicians.
- Serve as an advocate for each patient and family in your care, ensuring their goals of care are communicated and prioritized by each member of the care team.
- Deliver basic hospice education and training to patients, families and caregivers.
Working alongside your team, you will give your best each day in service of our core commitment: Delivering compassionate, personalized care with heartfelt empathy, honoring the wishes of each patient who entrusts VITAS with their end-of-life journey.
WHERE YOU’LL WORK
Our inpatient nurses work at a single location — a VITAS inpatient unit — every day.
Here, you will assess and manage acute, complex or uncontrolled symptoms (such as pain and shortness of breath) to keep patients comfortable.
REQUIREMENTS
- An associate or bachelor's degree in nursing
- A valid RN license
- At least one year of hospital nursing experience
- Reliable transportation
BENEFITS
- Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care FSA/HSA options
- 401(k) plan with numerous investment options and generous company match
- Cancer and/or critical illness benefit
- Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000 per year)
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential, no-cost counseling addressing legal, financial and personal challenges
- Legal insurance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Paid time off
WHO WE ARE
We are VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading end-of-life care provider since 1978.
Our hospice organization:
- Kickstarts careers in caring
- Promotes from within
- Provides an award-winning, nationally recognized best-in-class employee experience
Supported by industry-leading experts and a growing network of programs in 15+ states, VITAS empowers team members to grow toward their goals while transforming patients’ lives.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Hospice Registered Nurse
Get your state RN license before applying
Most hospice employers require an active RN license in the state where you'll practice. Apply for licensure immediately after passing NCLEX-RN. Delays in licensure can cost you job offers, especially with a limited OPT window.
Target hospice agencies with active H-1B filing history
Many hospice roles qualify under specialty occupation for H-1B visa sponsorship. Research which agencies have sponsored nurses in the past. Employers already familiar with the process are far more likely to sponsor your transition off OPT.
Disclose your OPT status and EAD early
Bring up your EAD and authorization end date in early conversations with recruiters. Surprises late in the hiring process damage trust. Transparent candidates give employers time to plan for sponsorship before your OPT expires.
Prioritize roles at larger hospice organizations
Regional and national hospice networks have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with visa sponsorship. Smaller single-location agencies often lack the infrastructure to navigate immigration filings, making sponsorship conversations significantly harder to start.
Earn a hospice-specific credential as quickly as possible
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse credential signals specialization to employers. Candidates with CHPN certification stand out in a competitive field and give employers additional incentive to invest in sponsorship rather than hire a locally licensed alternative.
Understand your cap-gap protection if selected in H-1B lottery
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you are selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30. Plan your OPT end date against H-1B filing deadlines carefully.
Hospice Registered Nurse OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Hospice Registered Nurse on F-1 OPT?
Yes, as long as your OPT is authorized for nursing and you hold an active RN license in the state where the role is located. Your EAD must be valid before your start date, and the position must be directly related to your nursing degree field of study.
Does STEM OPT extension apply to Hospice RN roles?
No. Nursing degree programs are not classified as STEM fields under the STEM OPT extension list, so you cannot extend your OPT beyond the standard 12 months on that basis. This makes it critical to begin H-1B sponsorship conversations early, ideally within the first few months of starting work.
Do hospice employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for registered nurses?
Some do, particularly larger regional and national hospice networks that have established immigration processes. Hospice RN roles can qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B, but not all employers are willing to sponsor. Searching on Migrate Mate can help you identify hospice employers with a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship.
What happens if my RN license is pending when my OPT starts?
You cannot legally practice as a registered nurse without an active state license, regardless of your OPT authorization. If your license application is still processing, you will not be able to start clinical work. Many employers will hold an offer while you complete licensure, but your OPT clock is already running during that time.
Can I switch from one hospice employer to another while on OPT?
Yes. OPT is not tied to a specific employer, but the new role must still be directly related to your degree field. You must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days, and your DSO will update your SEVIS record. Ensure your EAD remains valid and that your new role meets the practical training requirement.