Registered Nurse

**Job Overview**

The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) provides skilled nursing care to hospice patients in accordance with the patient's individualized plan of care, physician orders, hospice policies, and applicable federal and state regulations. The RN is responsible for assessing and monitoring the patient's condition, managing symptoms, coordinating care with the interdisciplinary team, educating patients and caregivers, and supporting the patient's comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

The Hospice RN works closely with the patient, family/caregiver, physician, and interdisciplinary group (IDG) to ensure that the patient's physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs are appropriately addressed throughout the hospice episode of care.

Essential ResponsibilitiesPatient Assessment and Clinical Care

* Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and reassessments of hospice patients.
* Assess the patient's physical condition, symptoms, pain, functional status, and overall response to the plan of care.
* Identify changes in the patient's condition and communicate significant findings promptly to the physician and appropriate members of the interdisciplinary team.
* Provide skilled nursing services in accordance with physician orders and the patient's individualized plan of care.
* Monitor and manage pain and other symptoms associated with the patient's terminal diagnosis.
* Administer medications and treatments as ordered and within the RN's scope of practice.
* Evaluate medication effectiveness and monitor for adverse reactions.
* Provide wound care, catheter care, oxygen therapy, and other skilled nursing interventions as ordered.
* Recognize signs of decline and actively participate in end-of-life care and symptom management.
* Respond appropriately to patient and caregiver needs, including urgent and PRN nursing needs.

Hospice Plan of Care

* Develop, implement, and update the nursing portion of the patient's individualized plan of care.
* Ensure nursing interventions are consistent with physician orders and hospice goals of care.
* Participate in the development and revision of the overall plan of care with the interdisciplinary group.
* Make recommendations regarding changes in services, visit frequency, medications, equipment, and other patient needs.
* Ensure services are provided according to the patient's current plan of care.

Patient and Family Education

* Educate patients and caregivers regarding the patient's diagnosis, disease progression, medications, symptom management, safety, and available hospice services.
* Teach caregivers how to recognize changes in the patient's condition and when to contact the hospice agency.
* Provide education regarding medication administration, comfort measures, fall prevention, infection prevention, and other applicable care needs.
* Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and families throughout the hospice process.
* Promote patient and caregiver understanding of the goals of hospice care.

Interdisciplinary Team (IDG) Participation

* Participate in interdisciplinary group meetings and care planning.
* Communicate patient status and changes to the physician, RN case manager, social worker, chaplain, aide, and other members of the care team as appropriate.
* Provide timely updates regarding changes in condition, medication needs, symptoms, caregiver concerns, and other significant issues.
* Participate in hospice recertification and benefit-period review processes as assigned.
* Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity and coordination of care.

Documentation and Compliance

* Complete accurate, timely, and comprehensive clinical documentation in the agency's electronic medical record system.
* Document all nursing visits, assessments, interventions, patient responses, education, communications, and changes in condition.
* Ensure documentation supports the services provided and reflects the patient's current condition and plan of care.
* Complete required hospice and regulatory documentation within established timeframes.
* Maintain confidentiality and protect patient health information in accordance with HIPAA and agency policies.
* Follow all applicable federal, state, local, and agency policies and procedures.
* Maintain required nursing licensure, certifications, education, and competency requirements.

Coordination of Services

* Coordinate nursing services with other hospice disciplines and healthcare providers.
* Communicate with physicians regarding changes in patient condition and obtain orders when necessary.
* Coordinate medications, durable medical equipment, supplies, laboratory services, and other resources as appropriate.
* Assist with hospital, facility, or other healthcare coordination when necessary.
* Promote continuity of care during transitions between settings.

End-of-Life and Bereavement Support

* Provide compassionate nursing care during the dying process.
* Educate caregivers regarding signs and symptoms associated with the end of life.
* Provide appropriate comfort measures and symptom management.
* Follow agency procedures for pronouncement of death when applicable and within the RN's scope and authority.
* Complete required post-mortem care and documentation according to agency policy.
* Notify appropriate individuals and organizations following agency procedures.

Professional Expectations

The Hospice RN is expected to:

* Provide compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered care.
* Maintain professional boundaries with patients and families.
* Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and timely communication.
* Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
* Report safety concerns, incidents, abuse, neglect, or other reportable events according to applicable requirements and agency policy.
* Maintain professional conduct when interacting with patients, families, caregivers, coworkers, physicians, and community partners.
* Maintain current knowledge and competency related to hospice nursing and end-of-life care.
* Attend required agency meetings, education, orientation, and competency activities.
* Follow the agency's infection prevention and control practices.
* Complete all assigned visits and documentation within required timeframes.

Qualifications

* Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
* Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
* Current CPR/BLS certification as required by the agency.
* Hospice, home health, medical-surgical, or other relevant nursing experience preferred.
* Ability to independently assess patients and provide appropriate nursing interventions.
* Strong communication, organizational, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
* Valid driver's license and reliable transportation when required for community-based visits.

**Requirements**

* Valid nursing license (RN) in good standing with relevant state licensing boards.
* Proven experience working in fast-paced environments such as hospital medicine, emergency medicine, ICU, trauma centers (Level I & II), or post-acute care settings.
* Strong knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, ICD coding (ICD-9/10), and diagnostic evaluation techniques.
* Skilled in various clinical procedures including IV insertion, phlebotomy, specimen collection/processing, tube feeding management, and sterile processing techniques.
* Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems like Epic or Cerner for accurate documentation and medical records management.
* Critical care experience or Level I & II trauma center experience is highly preferred.
* Ability to perform under pressure with excellent patient assessment skills and acute pain management expertise.
* Experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs is a plus; familiarity with Workers' Compensation law or occupational health is advantageous.
* Demonstrated ability to maintain infection control standards and adhere to HIPAA privacy regulations.

Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering compassionate care through innovation and excellence!

Pay: $42.08 - $50.68 per hour

Work Location: In person