Hospice RN- Weekend Program (Milwaukee and surrounding areas)

Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin, Inc. in Milwaukee is seeking a Hospice Registered Nurse to provide after-hours nursing care in patients’ homes.

The role requires ongoing assessment, triage, and intervention aligned with hospice goals, delivering compassionate support to patients and families. The RN will conduct visits, manage complex end-of-life symptoms, and collaborate with the interprofessional team while ensuring accurate documentation in the EMR and adherence to regulatory

Qualifications

• One year of nursing experience in any clinical setting.
• Active RN license in the state of practice.
• BLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• Incorporate responsibility, accountability, critical thinking, and 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, educate, and determine interventions aligned with hospice goals of care.
• Conduct in-person visits to manage acute symptom changes 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 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 to communicate changes in patient condition and coordinate care.
• Document all patient encounters, assessments, interventions, and communications accurately in the EMR with clear handoff for continuity of care.
• Adhere to hospice policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards, including participation in education, quality improvement, and safety initiatives.

Skills

Hospice philosophy

Independent clinical decision-making

Strong communication

Time management

EMR proficiency

Education

Nursing program completion

RN license in state of practice

BLS certification

Driver's license

Tools

EMR systems

Computer proficiency

Telephone systems

Job description

Major 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.

Education

• Completion of an accredited or approved nursing program

Certification / Registration / License

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
• Valid driver’s license
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification - American Heart Association

Work Experience

• Typically one (1) year of nursing experience in any clinical setting

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• 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 and Working Conditions

• 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 Job Requirements

Education

• Not specified

Experience

• 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

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and independent clinical decision-making skills
• Advanced communication skills for patient and caregiver education and support

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this role. Employees are required to follow all job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned by leadership.