Registered Nurse (RN) - Hospice

General Purpose

This role is central to delivering high‑quality, patient‑centered end‑of‑life care. The Hospice RN provides clinical expertise, emotional support, and coordinated care that honors each patient’s goals, values, and dignity.

Essential Duties

Delivery of Patient Care

• 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 ensure continuity and goal achievement
• Promote patient and caregiver independence whenever possible
• Utilize hospice protocols, standing orders, and clinical guidelines appropriately
• Provide clear, 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 open communication with supervisor and promptly report complex patient or caregiver concerns
• Apply infection control principles and follow universal precautions

Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) Collaboration

• 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

Documentation

• Complete accurate, timely, and concise clinical documentation in accordance with organizational guidelines and regulatory standards

Professional and Personal Accountability

• Demonstrate competency in hospice nursing knowledge and skills
• Maintain and project a professional reputation consistent with organizational values
• Stay current with trends in healthcare 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
• Demonstrate strong time‑management skills and the ability to respond effectively to urgent situations
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Inpatient Unit (IPU)–Specific Responsibilities

• Clean patient rooms following established procedures
• Maintain cleanliness and adequate supply levels throughout the facility
• Keep family areas tidy and welcoming
• Use appropriate chemicals and protective equipment when performing environmental tasks

Qualifications

• Current, active, and unrestricted compact (multistate) RN license
• Minimum 1 year of related experience for inpatient units (IPU) and 2 years for other hospice nursing roles
• Experience providing direct care to patients with life‑limiting illnesses
• Related experience may include hospice, palliative care, family medicine, internal medicine, geriatrics, oncology, home health, or medical‑surgical nursing
• Strong computer proficiency
• Excellent communication, assessment, and critical‑thinking skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and independently with minimal supervision

Physical Demands

• 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 to sustain prolonged physical activity and respond effectively 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 both home and inpatient settings
• (IPU) Ability to perform light environmental tasks such as cleaning rooms and restocking supplies