About the Role
The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) provides compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses. This role involves assessing patient needs, implementing personalized care plans, and supporting families through the end-of-life journey. The Hospice RN collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to ensure that patients experience comfort, dignity, and quality of life in their final stages.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment and Care:
Conduct initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of hospice patients to evaluate physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.
Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patient and family goals, adjusting as needed.
Manage pain and symptom control through appropriate interventions and medications.
Clinical Care Delivery:
Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and procedures according to hospice protocols.
Provide education to patients and families on disease progression, end-of-life expectations, and care techniques.
Offer emotional and psychological support to patients and their loved ones.
Coordination and Communication:
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including social workers, chaplains, and physicians, to provide holistic care.
Maintain open communication with patients and families to ensure they are informed and comfortable with care decisions.
Document patient care accurately and in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
Advocacy and Support:
Serve as an advocate for patients’ wishes and dignity in all aspects of care.
Provide bereavement support to families during and after the end-of-life process.
Educate and mentor caregivers to promote confidence in providing care.
Compliance and Professional Development:
Adhere to all hospice policies, state and federal regulations, and ethical standards.
Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and continuing education to maintain professional growth.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Education:
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (ADN or BSN).
Licensure:
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
Certifications:
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; hospice and palliative care certification preferred.
Experience:
Minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience, with prior hospice or palliative care experience preferred.
Skills:
Strong clinical skills, particularly in pain management and symptom control.
Excellent communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle emotionally challenging situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
Organizational and time-management abilities for managing multiple patients effectively.