Hospice RN- Weekend Program (Milwaukee and surrounding areas)

Responsibilities

• Incorporate responsibility, accountability, critical thinking, and sound clinical decision-making into daily nursing practice.
• Provide comprehensive nursing assessment, triage, and intervention for hospice patients during after-hours shifts.
• Respond to patient and caregiver calls to assess symptoms, provide education, and determine appropriate interventions consistent with hospice goals of care.
• Conduct in-person visits as clinically indicated to manage acute symptom changes, provide crisis support, and ensure patient comfort and safety.
• Manage complex end-of-life symptoms, including pain, dyspnea, agitation, anxiety, nausea, and terminal secretions.
• Initiate and carry out physician orders and standing hospice protocols within scope of practice.
• Provide emotional support, anticipatory guidance, and education to patients and caregivers, including support for decisions to question, refuse, or terminate treatment.
• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to communicate changes in patient condition and coordinate care.
• Document all patient encounters, assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and timely in the electronic medical record, including clear handoff communication to ensure continuity of care.
• Adhere to hospice policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards, including participation in required education, quality improvement, and safety initiatives.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited or approved nursing program.
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification – American Heart Association.
• Typically one (1) year of nursing experience in any clinical setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of hospice philosophy and end-of-life care principles.
• Ability to manage urgent and complex clinical situations independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including calm and compassionate guidance during crisis situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records, computers, and telephone systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to patient homes and community care settings as required.
• Ability to work in a variety of home and community environments.
• Capacity to promptly address patient needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Work involves walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to lift and support up to 35 pounds when handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of Hospice RN experience.
• Experience in hospice, palliative care, oncology, ICU, emergency department, or home health.
• Experience providing autonomous nursing care in home or community-based settings.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and independent clinical decision-making skills.
• Advanced communication skills for patient and caregiver education and support.