Hospice RN Weekend Program-Northeast Region

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Oak Brook, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hospice RN provides after-hours nursing care for hospice patients in the Northeast Region. The role includes comprehensive assessment, triage, and intervention during weekend shifts, responding to patients and caregivers by phone and making in-person visits when clinically indicated. The nurse manages complex end-of-life symptoms, supports patient comfort and safety, carries out physician orders and hospice protocols within scope of practice, and coordinates care with physicians and interdisciplinary team members. The position serves a territory that includes, but is not limited to, Lincoln Park, Northbrook, Oak Park, and Niles. The schedule is every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with eight shifts off annually as requested. Holidays that fall on assigned weekends are included. The role requires travel to patient homes and community care settings and work in a variety of home and community environments.

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 from the American Heart Association.
Typically one 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 and work in a variety of home and community environments.
Capacity to promptly address patient needs in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to walk, stand, sit, lift, reach, stoop, bend, push, and pull.
Ability to lift and support up to 35 pounds when handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.

Nice To Haves

One 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 patient encounters, assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record, including clear handoff communication.
Adhere to hospice policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards.
Participate in required education, quality improvement, and safety initiatives.
Travel to patient homes and community care settings as required.
Follow job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties assigned by leadership.

Benefits

Paid time off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Potential premium pay, including shift and on-call pay, based on teammate circumstances.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
Career development programs.