Hospice Nurse Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Registered Nurse education.
• At least one year of RN experience in acute care hospital, oncology, long-term care, hospice, or home health; school internships and clinical hours may be considered in individual cases.
• Current license to practice nursing in the state of employment.
• CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance.
• Maintain transportation for work.
• Knowledge of terminally ill patients and their families and of hospice principles and services.
• Ability to apply knowledge of the special needs of hospice patients and families and of the roles of disciplines providing hospice services.
• Strong patient-assessment skills and knowledge of community resources.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of clinical documentation, program management, and general nursing practice.
• Knowledge of managed-care principles and regulatory guidelines, including Medicare, Medicaid, and ACHC.
• Ability to operate nursing assessment tools, computers, facsimile equipment, copier, and cell phone or beeper.
• Sensitivity and tact in addressing life-and-death issues and supporting patients and families during crises.
• Flexibility to perform varied tasks while maintaining efficiency and composure.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Maturity, accountability, cooperation, flexibility, and tact in working with coworkers and hospice-team members.

Nice To Haves

• Hospice or palliative care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive initial and ongoing patient assessments and reassessments, including in-person and telephone RN assessments or screenings.
• Deliver skilled nursing interventions and symptom management consistent with patients’ goals of care and individualized plans.
• Develop and update individualized plans of care, including visit frequency and identification of patient needs and risks.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients and families and guide them through the hospice journey.
• Coordinate care with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, nurse practitioners, LPNs, CNAs, social workers, chaplains, and other providers.
• Provide education to patients, family members, and caregivers about disease processes, self-care, end-of-life care, medications, nutrition, and dietary needs.
• Teach caregivers safe care techniques and provide practical and emotional support.
• Communicate changes in patient condition and signs or symptoms of decline to appropriate providers and the care team.
• Support continuity of care by identifying and supporting home health, palliative care, and hospice referrals and transitions between levels of care.
• Document screening and assessment findings, physician orders, progress notes, care plans, and other clinical records accurately and promptly.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the interdisciplinary group and involve the team when the care plan requires collaboration.
• Provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support to patients and loved ones, including bereavement guidance.
• Participate in on-call and patient-support activities as applicable, responding in a clinically competent and timely manner.
• Follow infection-control, regulatory, policy, and compliance standards.
• Support quality-improvement and scheduling initiatives to promote consistent, compassionate, and efficient care.
• Maintain patient satisfaction and timeliness of visits and documentation.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with company match
• Career advancement opportunities
• National and local recognition programs
• Teammate Assistance Fund
• Medical insurance for full-time associates
• Dental insurance for full-time associates
• Vision insurance for full-time associates
• Mileage reimbursement or fleet vehicle program for full-time associates
• Generous paid time off for full-time associates
• Seven paid holidays for full-time associates
• Wellness programs, including telemedicine, diabetes management, and joint and spine concierge care
• Education support and tuition assistance, including ASN-to-BSN and BSN-to-MSN pathways
• Free continuing education units
• Company-paid life insurance for full-time associates
• Company-paid long-term disability insurance for full-time associates
• Voluntary pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term-care benefits