Job Summary
The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) provides skilled nursing care to terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. This role includes clinical care, symptom management, and emotional support for patients and their families during the end‑of‑life process.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Care & Patient Management
- Assess patients’ physical condition and develop individualized care plans
- Monitor vital signs and evaluate symptom progression
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed
- Provide pain and symptom management using palliative care techniques
- Assist with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, mobility)
Care Coordination
- Collaborate with physicians, social workers, chaplains, and interdisciplinary team members
- Participate in care planning and case conferences
- Communicate patient condition changes promptly to the care team]
Patient & Family Support
- Educate patients and families on disease progression and end‑of‑life expectations
- Provide emotional, psychological, and spiritual support
- Guide families on caregiving techniques and available resources
- Offer bereavement support and counseling as needed.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
- Update patient records and care plans as conditions change
- Ensure compliance with hospice regulations, policies, and privacy standards
Additional Duties
- Respond to urgent patient needs and after-hours calls (if applicable)
- Provide education on medication use, safety, and infection control
- Support a peaceful and comfortable end‑of‑life environment
- Notify appropriate parties at time of death and complete post‑mortem procedures
Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN)
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state
- CPR certification required
- Hospice and Palliative Care certification (preferred)
Experience
- 1–2+ years nursing experience (hospice, home health, or acute care preferred)
- Experience with end‑of‑life care and symptom management strongly preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Compassion and emotional resilience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently in home or facility settings
- Knowledge of hospice philosophy and palliative care practices
- Documentation and EHR proficiency
Work Environment
- Patient homes, hospice facilities, or nursing homes
- May require travel within service area
- Flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, or on‑call shifts (depending on role)
Job Goal
To ensure patients experience comfort, dignity, and quality care during the final stages of life while supporting families through the hospice journey.
The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.
