RN Case Manager - Hospice

Job Description

Job Description

Registered Nurse Case Manager (RNCM)

Horizon Hospice of Colorado Full-Time or Part-Time with Scalable FTE Based on Census

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse Case Manager (RNCM) is responsible for coordinating and managing the care of hospice patients and their families in accordance with the hospice plan of care and Conditions of Participation. The RNCM functions as the primary clinical coordinator for assigned patients and works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to ensure that physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs are addressed.

The RN Case Manager performs patient assessments, develops and implements individualized plans of care, coordinates services among team members, and provides skilled nursing care to promote comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients with life-limiting illness.

This role is essential to ensuring high-quality patient care, regulatory compliance, and effective coordination across the hospice interdisciplinary team.

Schedule & FTE Structure

This position is designed to scale with hospice census growth.

0.8-1.0 FTE (approximately 32-40 hours per week) - Typical structure for a full patient caseload

RNCM caseload expectations may vary based on patient acuity, geography, and organizational needs.

Typical RNCM caseload range: 12-15 patients depending on complexity and travel requirements.

Adjustments to caseload and FTE may be made based on patient census, acuity, and program needs.

Essential Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Management

Complete comprehensive patient assessments including physical, psychosocial, emotional, and environmental needs.

Develop and implement individualized hospice plans of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

Provide skilled nursing visits to patients in homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and other care settings.

Monitor patient condition and adjust care plans as needed to ensure comfort and symptom management.

Administer medications, treatments, and interventions as ordered by the hospice physician or medical director.

Educate patients and families on disease progression, symptom management, medications, and end-of-life care.

Provide crisis intervention and support for urgent symptom management.

Perform pronouncements of death when appropriate and provide post-mortem care in accordance with hospice policy.

Document patient assessments, interventions, and care coordination in the electronic medical record.

Care Coordination & Interdisciplinary Team Participation

Serve as the primary coordinator of care for assigned patients.

Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, therapists, and volunteers.

Participate in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings and contribute to care planning and patient review.

Ensure communication of patient status and care needs to all members of the care team.

Coordinate referrals for additional services including durable medical equipment, medications, and specialty care.

Facilitate smooth transitions between care settings when necessary.

Patient & Family Support

Provide education and emotional support to patients and families throughout the hospice journey.

Assist families in understanding the hospice philosophy and care process.

Support families during end-of-life transitions and actively collaborate with bereavement services following patient death.

Promote dignity, comfort, and quality of life for patients receiving hospice care.

Compliance & Documentation

Ensure all clinical documentation meets regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.

Complete timely and accurate charting in the electronic medical record.

Support hospice compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation and quality standards.

Participate in quality improvement activities and clinical audits as requested.

Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.

Qualifications

Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Colorado.

Minimum 1 year of hospice nursing experience required.

Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team.

Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to patient homes and facilities.

Current CPR certification required.

Compensation

Salaried position $43-48/hour

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.

Mileage reimbursement provided for patient visits.