Hospice Admissions RN

Description

Compassion. Connection. Purpose.

Many nurses choose hospice because they want to make a meaningful difference during life's most important moments. They are called to provide comfort, guidance, and compassionate care when patients and families need it most.

At Iowa City Hospice, that calling is shared by a team committed to honoring dignity, comfort, and connection at the end of life. Our nurses value authentic relationships, clinical excellence, and compassionate care that focuses on the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Because we are united in our mission, we support one another, collaborate closely, and create an environment where nurses can practice with confidence, autonomy, and heart.

For decades, Iowa City Hospice has provided exceptional end-of-life care throughout our community. As a trusted nonprofit organization, we honor every individual's journey with compassion, dignity, and respect.

As a full-time Hospice Admissions RN, you will serve as the first clinical point of contact for patients and families entering hospice services. This role combines clinical expertise, compassionate communication, patient advocacy, and care coordination. You will guide patients and their loved ones through the hospice admission process, helping them understand available services while ensuring a smooth and supportive transition to care. The schedule is full-time, Monday-Friday with participation in a rotating on-call & holiday coverage plan.

The Admissions RN plays an essential role in creating a positive hospice experience from the very beginning by building trust, assessing patient needs, and ensuring timely access to compassionate end-of-life care.

An Exceptional Hospice Admissions Nurse:

• Leads with compassion, empathy, and respect.
• Builds trusting relationships with patients, families, and community partners.
• Conducts thorough clinical assessments and determines hospice eligibility.
• Communicates complex or difficult information with confidence and sensitivity.
• Coordinates seamless transitions into hospice care.
• Advocates for patient goals, wishes, and quality of life.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail

Key Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to hospice referrals and inquiries.
• Conduct comprehensive admissions assessments in homes, hospitals, assisted living communities, and long-term care facilities.
• Evaluate patients for hospice eligibility according to regulatory and clinical guidelines.
• Explain hospice services, philosophy of care, and patient rights to patients and families.
• Collaborate with physicians, discharge planners, social workers, case managers, and referral partners to facilitate timely admissions.
• Obtain and review medical records, physician orders, and supporting documentation.
• Complete all admission paperwork and required documentation accurately and compliantly.
• Coordinate initiation of services with the interdisciplinary hospice team.
• Develop initial plans of care that address patient and family needs.
• Provide education regarding disease progression, symptom management, medications, and available support services.
• Facilitate communication among patients, families, referral sources, physicians, and hospice team members.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic medical record.
• Participate in on-call or weekend admission coverage as scheduled.
• Serve as a professional ambassador for Iowa City Hospice throughout the community.

Meaningful Work

• The opportunity to make a lasting first impression on patients and families.
• One-on-one interactions that build trust during an important transition of care.
• The ability to provide comfort, education, and support when it is needed most.
• Meaningful work that aligns with your values and purpose.
• The privilege of helping patients access compassionate end-of-life care.

Supportive Culture

• Mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on people first.
• Collaborative and experienced interdisciplinary team.
• Accessible and supportive leadership.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A culture that recognizes and values your contributions.
• Team members who care for one another as much as they care for patients.
• An environment that supports both independence and teamwork.

Benefits begin the first of the month following your start date:

• Wellmark Medical and Dental Insurance (multiple plan options)
• Avesis Vision Insurance
• Employer-paid Life Insurance
• Employer-paid Disability Insurance
• Voluntary benefits including Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Coverage
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Company Car OR Mileage Reimbursement
• Company-issued iPhone and iPad
• Free Parking
• Generous Paid Time Off (19 days of vacation accrued annually & 12 days of sick leave accrued annually)

We're more than a workplace. We're a team united by purpose, compassion, and the belief that every moment matters. If you're ready to use your clinical expertise to make a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Iowa City Hospice and help provide comfort, dignity, and peace when it matters most.

Iowa City Hospice is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Requirements

• Current Iowa RN license in good standing.
• A graduate of an approved school of nursing (RN/BSN/ARNP) with a current Iowa Nursing License.
• Two years of home health or hospice or work related experience preferred. General medical knowledge related to home health and hospice services with end-of-life issues is desirable. Knowledge of end-of-life care principles and symptom management
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based practice expertise.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proficient computer skills, including electronic health records (EHR) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Advanced Certifications in Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification by the 3rd year of employment.
• All offers of employment are conditioned upon the result of a criminal background check conducted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, as required by law and a negative finding on the Office of Inspector General’s Excluded Provider List.

Responsibilities require:

• Professional nursing judgment and decision-making skills
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple patient needs effectively
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
• Commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice
• Excellent independent work habits while maintaining collaboration with team members
• Strong educational and advocacy skills for patients and families
• Professionalism, accountability, and resilience in challenging situations
• Organizational and documentation excellence
• Frequent travel throughout the service area, including rural communities
• Driving in both favorable and inclement weather conditions
• Exposure to varying home and facility environments
• Regular use of iPhone, iPad, computer systems, and other office technology
• Electronic documentation in patient homes and healthcare settings