After hours Hospice RN-Northwest Chicago and north suburbs

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Oak Brook, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an After Hours Hospice RN position covering Northwest Chicago and its northern suburbs. The role involves providing comprehensive nursing assessment, triage, and intervention for hospice patients during after-hours shifts. Responsibilities include responding to patient and caregiver calls, conducting in-person visits as needed, managing complex end-of-life symptoms, and providing emotional support and education. The RN will collaborate with physicians and the interdisciplinary team, document care in the electronic medical record, and adhere to hospice policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited or approved nursing program
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
Valid driver’s license
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification – American Heart Association
Typically one (1) year of nursing experience in any clinical setting
Demonstrated understanding of hospice philosophy and end-of-life care principles
Ability to manage urgent and complex clinical situations independently
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including calm and compassionate guidance during crisis situations
Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency with electronic medical records, computers, and telephone systems
Ability to travel to patient homes and community care settings as required
Ability to work in a variety of home and community environments
Capacity to promptly address patient needs in a fast-paced environment
Work involves walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling
Must be able to lift and support up to 35 pounds when handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies

Nice To Haves

One (1) year of Hospice RN experience
Experience in hospice, palliative care, oncology, ICU, emergency department, or home health
Experience providing autonomous nursing care in home or community-based settings
Strong assessment, critical thinking, and independent clinical decision-making skills
Advanced communication skills for patient and caregiver education and support

Responsibilities

Incorporate responsibility, accountability, critical thinking, and sound clinical decision-making into daily nursing practice.
Provide comprehensive nursing assessment, triage, and intervention for hospice patients during after-hours shifts.
Respond to patient and caregiver calls to assess symptoms, provide education, and determine appropriate interventions consistent with hospice goals of care.
Conduct in-person visits as clinically indicated to manage acute symptom changes, provide crisis support, and ensure patient comfort and safety.
Manage complex end-of-life symptoms, including pain, dyspnea, agitation, anxiety, nausea, and terminal secretions.
Initiate and carry out physician orders and standing hospice protocols within scope of practice.
Provide emotional support, anticipatory guidance, and education to patients and caregivers, including support for decisions to question, refuse, or terminate treatment.
Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to communicate changes in patient condition and coordinate care.
Document all patient encounters, assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and timely in the electronic medical record, including clear handoff communication to ensure continuity of care.
Adhere to hospice policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards, including participation in required education, quality improvement, and safety initiatives.