Admissions Nurse (Hospice)

Iowa Care Community Inc, Iowa City Hospice, Visiting Nurse Association • Iowa City, IA

4d

About The Position

Iowa City Hospice nurses prioritize meaningful living and view the end-of-life journey as an extension of life, worthy of purpose and quality.

Do you have a "hospice heart"—a blend of expert clinical skills, profound empathy, and the ability to bring calm to a storm?

At Iowa City Hospice, we are looking for a dedicated Hospice Admission Nurse (RN) to be the first face of comfort, guiding patients and their families through a difficult, sacred transition with dignity, respect, and grace.

As our Admission Nurse, you are not just checking boxes; you are opening the door to peace. You will meet patients and families at their most vulnerable, helping them turn fear into understanding and confusion into a plan of care. You have the unique privilege of setting the tone for their entire hospice journey.

Requirements

• Compassion First: An empathetic, patient-centered approach with a true desire to support families.
• Experienced RN: Active RN license in [State] with at least 1+ year of nursing experience (hospice/home health experience preferred).
• Passionate Communicator: Ability to listen deeply, educate clearly, and connect with people from all walks of life.
• Self-Directed: Ability to work independently in the field.
• A graduate of an approved school of nursing (LPN/RN/BSN/ARNP) with a current Iowa Nursing License.
• Two years of home health or hospice or work-related experience preferred. General medical knowledge related to home health and hospice services with end-of-life issues is desirable.
• Car, driver's license and adequate insurance as outlined in the personnel policies is required.
• Strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based practice expertise.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficient computer skills, including electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.
• All offers of employment are conditioned upon the result of a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, as required by law and a negative finding on the Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Provider List.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Certifications in Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification by the 3rd year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Comprehensive, Heart-Centered Assessments
• Conduct thorough and compassionate health assessments for new admissions in patient homes, hospitals, or skilled nursing facilities.
• Determine clinical eligibility and care needs through accurate medical, functional, and psychosocial assessment.
• Monitor patients’ health status throughout the admission process and respond promptly to changes or urgent needs.
• Collaborative, Individualized Care Planning
• Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, and families to develop and implement highly individualized, comfort-focused care plans.
• Ensure care plans prioritize symptom management, safety, and patient-directed goals.
• Coordinate necessary referrals, services, and follow-up care to support seamless transitions and continuity.
• Education, Advocacy & Support
• Clearly explain hospice philosophy, services, and benefits to patients and families in a supportive, compassionate manner.
• Provide education regarding diagnoses, symptom management, treatment options, and expectations for hospice care.
• Offer emotional support and guidance, helping families make informed decisions during stressful and sensitive times.
• Admission Excellence & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all admission procedures comply with organizational policies, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), state regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed clinical documentation in accordance with HIPAA and agency privacy guidelines.
• Complete all required admission paperwork, orders, and assessments with precision to support eligibility, regulatory compliance, and timely care initiation.
• Clinical Quality & Documentation
• Utilize expert clinical judgment to identify urgent needs and escalate care appropriately.
• Document assessments, care plans, interventions, and patient/family communication with accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
• Support quality initiatives by ensuring documentation aligns with hospice standards, regulatory requirements, and agency best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits:
• Wellmark medical & dental, Avesis vision, Unum STD, accident and critical illness voluntary policies, & FSA / HSA
• Employer-paid life & disability insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Thorough orientation and ongoing professional development
• Free parking, company car or mileage reimbursement, iPhone & iPad for work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree