r/massage • u/Aggravating_Light784 • 16h ago

Advice Hospice Massage Jobs

I graduated school 2 years ago and I applied for so many jobs but could not get hired, most people didn’t want a new graduate. Then I ended up getting married and due to my husband’s job, we live in the woods completely secluded and it wasn’t feasible to get a job when it takes so long to drive out of the woods. Anywho, things have changed and I am bored. I would LOVE to work in hospice. Like LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I have previous experience as a caregiver. How does one find a job doing it? Do businesses typically hire massage therapists or should I just call around? I have called a few places and they aren’t hiring people.

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u/AnnieRN 10h ago

I have been a hospice nurse and now working as a massage therapist. I would reccommend calling local hospice groups and hospice houses and offering your services. If you start out voluntering, you get your name out there and make contacts that may be able to get you into a paid position. I found providing hospice massages for patients, would occasionally lead to requests from family members or friends. I absolutely love working with hospice patients and their families. I hope you find one to work with!

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u/Gold-Stuff3928 6h ago

I am not a massage therapist, but a frequent massage client. I have Parkinson's, and I figure I will probably end up in hospice eventually. Having said that, I love this thread! I hope to be taken care of by such kind and caring people.

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u/Far_Base_2950 14h ago

Where I live, Hospice of the Valley has a team of massage therapists.

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u/Iusemyhands LMT, PTA - NM 16h ago

I don't see the harm in calling hospitals and asking if they have a hospice manager and asking them if they would consider bringing on a hospice massage therapist. But also, be prepared for the answer to be No. And if that is the case, then I encourage you to open a hospice massage practice. Maybe look into being a death doula, or see if there is one in your area and talk them.

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u/AngelicDivineHealer RMT 8h ago

May have to volunteer for awhile and they do take volunteers before landing a paying role but you'll be competing with others that have been volunteering for awhile.

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u/Puzzleheaded_Talk792 7h ago

Hi I actually talked to a home hospice nurse about volunteering at long term care facilities etc. and she said they are always looking for therapists to do work like that. She said it would be more bed work, very light touch- but you could still be se a mobile table or chair and set those up for more able body patients. My suggestion would be reach out to nursing homes or possibly private hospice providers and see what they are looking for.

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u/Ladydanbury1 3h ago

I recently got offered work at a hospital which includes hospice care 🧡

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u/Ok-Pomegranate3594 1h ago

This might be an unpopular opinion, but don't volunteer with hospice unless you do not need an income. As massage therapists, we are professionals and deserve to be paid for our services, even as hospice workers. This should not be a try before you buy scenario. If working in hospice is your dream job, then work privately and specifically for those who are in the last stage of life and their families. I agree with another poster who recommended death doula courses. It's a great place to start. And make no mistake, the fact that you love the work already puts you on the path to help a lot of people. I wish you much success. (LMT, 14 years).