Registered Nurse (RN) – Hospice

PACS

About The Position

The Hospice Registered Nurse delivers high-quality, patient-centered end-of-life care by providing clinical expertise, emotional support, and coordinated care that honors patients’ goals, values, and dignity. The role coordinates and delivers comprehensive care to patients and caregivers, assesses their needs, and develops, implements, evaluates, and updates individualized plans of care. The nurse promotes independence, uses hospice protocols and clinical guidelines appropriately, educates patients and families, and communicates with the interdisciplinary group, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supervisor. The nurse participates in interdisciplinary meetings and care conferences, makes timely referrals, maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation, and demonstrates professional accountability through continued learning, active licensure, CPR certification, and required continuing education. For inpatient-unit assignments, duties also include cleaning patient rooms, maintaining facility cleanliness and supplies, and keeping family areas welcoming. The position involves work in patient homes or facilities and may require driving between locations. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Current, active, and unrestricted compact (multistate) RN license.
At least 1 year of related experience for inpatient-unit (IPU) roles or 2 years for other hospice nursing roles.
Experience providing direct care to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
Strong computer proficiency.
Excellent communication, assessment, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to safely lift, move, and transfer patients using proper body mechanics; may require lifting or supporting up to 50 pounds.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching during patient care activities.
Ability to assist with mobility, repositioning, and comfort measures in varied home and facility environments.
Stamina for prolonged physical activity and effective response during urgent or crisis situations.
Ability to drive between patient homes or facilities as required.
Adequate visual, auditory, and tactile acuity to assess patient conditions and perform clinical interventions safely.
Ability to operate medical equipment and manage supplies in home and inpatient settings.
For IPU assignments, ability to perform light environmental tasks such as cleaning rooms and restocking supplies.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver comprehensive care to patients and caregivers.
Conduct nursing assessments to identify and manage patient and caregiver needs.
Develop, implement, evaluate, and update individualized plans of care to support continuity and goal achievement.
Promote patient and caregiver independence whenever possible.
Use hospice protocols, standing orders, and clinical guidelines appropriately.
Provide compassionate education to patients and families, allowing time for questions and support.
Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary group (IDG), caregivers, and other healthcare professionals.
Maintain communication with the supervisor and promptly report complex patient or caregiver concerns.
Apply infection control principles and follow universal precautions.
Attend, participate in, and when appropriate facilitate IDG meetings and special care conferences.
Maintain strong working relationships with team members.
Identify patient and caregiver needs and make timely referrals to appropriate disciplines.
Complete accurate, timely, and concise clinical documentation in accordance with organizational guidelines and regulatory standards.
Demonstrate hospice nursing competency and maintain a professional reputation consistent with organizational values.
Stay current with healthcare trends and incorporate new knowledge into practice.
Maintain active RN licensure, CPR certification, and required continuing education.
Foster productive relationships with external agencies and healthcare partners.
Manage time effectively and respond appropriately to urgent situations.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
For inpatient-unit assignments, clean patient rooms according to established procedures, maintain facility cleanliness and adequate supplies, and keep family areas tidy and welcoming.
Use appropriate chemicals and protective equipment when performing environmental tasks.