RN ON CALL

Hospice RN On Call

The Hospice RN On Call plays a critical role in providing compassionate and expert nursing care to patients receiving hospice services during evening hours. This position ensures that patients and their families receive timely clinical support, symptom management, and emotional guidance when primary care teams are not immediately available. The RN on call acts as a vital resource for both patients and interdisciplinary team members, facilitating communication and decision-making to uphold the highest standards of end-of-life care. This role requires the ability to respond promptly to urgent clinical situations, assess patient needs remotely or in person, and coordinate appropriate interventions. Ultimately, the position supports the mission of delivering dignified, patient-centered hospice care that respects the wishes and comfort of those nearing the end of life.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice within the United States.
• Minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in hospice, palliative care, or related healthcare settings.
• Demonstrated ability to perform comprehensive patient assessments and symptom management.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Availability to work weeknight shifts Monday through Friday as the on-call nurse.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) or equivalent specialty certification.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems specific to hospice care.
• Previous experience working in an on-call nursing role or similar remote clinical support position.
• Training in grief counseling or psychosocial support for patients and families.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance standards related to hospice care.

Responsibilities:

• Respond promptly to clinical inquiries and emergencies from patients, families, and hospice staff during weeknight hours Monday through Friday.
• Provide expert nursing assessment and symptom management recommendations to ensure patient comfort and quality of life.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary hospice team members to coordinate care plans and communicate changes in patient status.
• Document all patient interactions, clinical decisions, and interventions accurately and timely in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Offer emotional support and education to patients and families regarding disease progression, medication use, and hospice services.
• Facilitate referrals or escalation to on-site staff or emergency services when necessary to address urgent patient needs.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hospice policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistent care delivery.

Skills:

The required skills enable the RN to conduct thorough patient assessments and provide effective symptom management remotely or in person, ensuring patient comfort during critical times. Strong communication skills are essential for conveying complex clinical information clearly to patients, families, and team members, fostering trust and collaboration. The ability to document clinical interactions accurately supports continuity of care and regulatory compliance. Preferred skills such as certification in hospice nursing and experience with EMR systems enhance the nurse's capacity to deliver specialized care efficiently and maintain comprehensive patient records. Additionally, skills in psychosocial support and grief counseling allow the RN to address the emotional and psychological needs of patients and families, contributing to holistic hospice care.