Hospice Registered Nurse

The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centered nursing care to individuals in hospice settings, including homes, facilities, and inpatient units. You will deliver and manage care for patients with various medical conditions, focusing on pain and symptom management, emotional support, and comfort during the end-of-life process. Your role is vital in ensuring patients receive compassionate, efficient, and effective care in a hospice environment.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the patient, family, caregiver, and healthcare team, focusing on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians and in accordance with hospice protocols, with a focus on pain and symptom management.
• Perform routine and specialized nursing tasks, including wound care, catheter insertion, and monitoring vital signs.
• Monitor and document patient progress, response to treatments, and any changes in condition, reporting significant findings to the healthcare team and collaborating with physicians for adjustments to care plans.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers about hospice services, symptom management, and care options.
• Provide emotional support and counseling to patients, families, and their caregivers during the end-of-life process, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Assist with patient mobility, transfers, and activities of daily living as needed, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and documentation in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
• Respond to patient needs and changes in condition promptly, providing appropriate interventions and support.
• Adhere to infection control and safety procedures to protect patients and staff.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives to ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Hospice Director or designated supervisor.

Job Qualifications:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• 1+ years of nursing experience, with a preference for experience in hospice, palliative care, or a related field.
• Strong clinical skills and the ability to perform a range of nursing procedures with precision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build rapport with patients through a compassionate and caring demeanor.
• Knowledge of hospice and palliative care principles, as well as regulatory guidelines and best practices.
• Current CPR certification.
• Experience with electronic medical record systems and documentation preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and transfer patients, with or without assistance, up to 50lbs.
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods.
• Strength to handle medical equipment and assist patients with mobility and physical activities.
• Visual acuity and dexterity for performing tasks such as reading medical records, administering injections, and handling medical instruments.
• Ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergency situations.
• Capacity to work in various home environments which may include navigating stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces.
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.