Hospice Nurse - On-call After Hours

Compass Regional Hospice•Centreville, MD

About The Position

At Compass, we believe that working in this industry is more than just a job—it is a calling. We understand that it is not a path chosen by everyone, but for those who feel drawn to this work, we warmly invite you to explore this and other opportunities available within our organization. Accepting a position with Compass means stepping into a role that extends far beyond the responsibilities of any single individual. Our team structure is intentionally designed to foster support and collaboration among all members. This approach allows us to dedicate our energies to what truly matters: delivering outstanding care to our patients and their families during one of life's most significant moments. Hospice Nurse - On-Call After Hours Position Summary The Hospice Nurse - On-Call After Hours operates under the general supervision of the Director of Clinical Services and in collaboration with the patients’ attending physician. This role provides skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care, all with the goal of maximizing comfort and health for patients and their families. The Hospice Nurse is tasked with identifying and addressing the needs of patients and families, and delivering supportive care as directed by the attending physician’s orders, the established plan of care, and Compass Regional Hospice’s (Compass) policies and procedures. This includes maintaining accurate and timely documentation. The Hospice Nurse – On-Call After Hours may serve as a visiting nurse, Case Manager, or Admissions Nurse.

Requirements

Registered Nurse degree from an accredited college or university.
Current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the State of Maryland.
Two to three years of diverse professional nursing experience, with hospice experience strongly desired.
One to two years of experience in an acute care setting is required.
Competence in nursing practice, with the ability to manage family emotional stress and respect individual lifestyles.
Depending on experience and training, it may be designated to perform assessments for pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, and other specialties.
Completion of hospice orientation.
Commitment to supporting the hospice model of care.
Flexibility and capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to cope with the emotional stress experienced by families.
Ability to work harmoniously with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to advancing knowledge and skills through in-services and workshops as appropriate.
Proficiency in using computers and office equipment for patient documentation.
Ability to cope with the ongoing stress associated with continual loss.
Ability to drive to patients’ homes for supervision and care; reliable transportation is required.
Physical ability to perform essential job duties, which may include lifting, standing, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, and aiding with activities of daily living without additional help.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with individuals and families during end-of-life situations.
Ability to hear and process directions and requests effectively.
Ability to drive to patient homes; must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and appropriate insurance coverage.

Nice To Haves

Completion of Hospice and Palliative Care Certification (HPCC) within 24 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Upholds and promotes the philosophy of hospice.
Take primary responsibility for managing a caseload of patients and families, which includes conducting assessments, planning, implementing, and evaluating all phases of the nursing process.
Initiate and maintain communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff, and relevant agencies to coordinate optimal patient and family care and resource use.
Maintain ongoing communication with the direct supervisor to review and discuss the current caseload.
Regularly provide updates to the attending physician regarding the status of patients and families.
Gather and incorporate data on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors affecting patients and families into the plan of care.
Keep patient records current and comprehensive, ensuring that problems, plans, actions, and goals are clearly documented and updated as changes occur.
Seek insights and input from other team members to enhance the patient’s plan of care.
Coordinate physical care by instructing primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers, or by providing direct care when necessary.
Participate in regular meetings with hospice clinical staff to address unique or challenging issues, share professional support, and exchange feedback for professional growth.
Attend patient conferences and facilitate the discussion of caseload issues for comprehensive staff consultation and evaluation.
Supervise and update health aide plans of care as needed.
Notify the direct supervisor of any unusual or potentially problematic patient or family situations.
Respond to the needs of patients and families of other hospice nurses during on-call hours, or as requested by the supervisor, to ensure continuity of care.
Provide appropriate support to families at the time of death and during the bereavement period.
Take responsibility for personal nursing practice, ongoing education, and professional development.
Encourage and facilitate active patient and family involvement in the plan of care, with a focus on pain and symptom management and emotional and spiritual support as needed.
Participate in Compass orientation and in-service training programs.
Engage in agency and community outreach programs as requested to support professional growth and promote understanding of hospice care.
Demonstrate familiarity with agency policies and state and federal regulations that inform policy development.
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee, patient/client, and agency information always.
Accept and perform other related duties and responsibilities as needed and assigned.