Admissions Nurse (Hospice)
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
- Active RN license in [State] with at least 1+ year of nursing experience (hospice/home health experience preferred).
- 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.
- Advanced Certifications in Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification by the 3rd year of employment.
- 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.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
