Hospice Nurse RN - Home Hospice

Circle of Life; Springdale (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Circle of Life Hospice in Northwest Arkansas seeks a dedicated Hospice RN to provide direct patient care and comprehensive assessments. You will manage pain and symptoms, coordinate services for patients and families, and document care plans in a timely, policy-compliant manner.

The role emphasizes education for patients and caregivers, collaboration with the IDT, and ongoing updates to the care plan while maintaining respect for patient rights and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Current unrestricted AR RN license.
• BLS certification required.
• Strong assessment and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to document thoroughly and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Assumes primary responsibility for assigned patients and performs all phases of the nursing process.
• Communicates with physicians, staff, and agencies to coordinate care.
• Educates patients and caregivers about hospice philosophy and care plans.
• Documents patient information per policies and regulatory standards.
• Participates in IDT meetings and revises the plan of care as needed.
• Provides weekend coverage and supports during nursing shortages.

Skills

RN license

BLS certification

Assessment skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Computer charting

Tools

Electronic charting

Job description

The Hospice RN assumes patient care responsibilities for individual patients including: Completing comprehensive physical assessment, pain assessment and management, symptom control management as it relates to terminal illness, coordination of Circle of Life services to the patient/family, completes required documentation (i.e. assessments, care plans, clinical notes, agency tracking forms, etc.) In a timely manner in accordance with COL policies, establishes a therapeutic nursing relationship with the Hospice patient/family/caregivers, provides weekend coverage and may assist during times of excessive nursing absenteeism.

Requirements

Current unrestricted AR RN license, BLS certification, strong assessment skills with critical thinking and high level of problem solving within a healthcare facility. Strong documentation and communication with the ability to stay calm and cope with human suffering/emergencies. Prefer hospice experience, home health, or acute care nursing experience with computer charting experience.

• Assumes primary responsibility for assigned patients and performs all phases of the nursing process.
• Communicates with attending physicians, staff members, and other agencies as necessary to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for patients/caregivers.
• Educates patients/caregivers regarding hospice philosophy, disease progression, physical components of care, stages of dying, and other aspects of the POC as necessary.
• Documents all patient related information according to policies and procedures.
• Seeks input from IDT members regarding the patient POC to obtain additional knowledge and support.
• Reviews and updates the POC at least every 60 days per regulatory standards.
• Regularly attends and participates in IDT meetings to ensure that the POC reflects current patient care needs.
• Prepares in advance for IDT meetings.
• Assesses need for Certified Nursing Assistant services.
• Conducts CNA supervisory visits per regulatory standards.
• Asses the need for and revises the CNA care plan.
• Informs the PCM of unusual or potentially problematic patient/caregiver issues as identified.
• Maintains annual clinical competencies.
• Identifies patients who may potentially revoke or need to be discharged.
• Models prompt and regular attendance.
• Exhibits cost effective use of time, mileage and supplies.
• Demonstrates familiarity with and adheres to policies and procedures, state, federal, and accrediting agency's requirements.
• Provides notification of absence per policy.
• Promotes and maintains respect for rights, privacy, and confidentiality of others.

Find the connection between your compassion, expertise and exceptional community care with hospice leader, Circle of Life. Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others on an everyday basis, we foster a culture of compassion and collaboration. As Northwest Arkansas' premiere hospice provider, we operate two beautiful inpatient hospice care facilities and offer outpatient hospice services for Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties. Circle of Life is the largest and most respected hospice in the area, serving the region as a top not-for-profit organization for more than 30 years.