Hospice Director of Nursing (DON)

Job Description

Job Description

The DON is responsible for the overall direction of hospice clinical services. The DON establishes, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives for hospice services that meet and promote the standards of quality and contribute to the total organization and philosophy.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

1. Coordinates and oversees all direct and indirect patient services provided by clinical organization personnel.

2. Provides guidance and counseling to coordinators and Clinical Supervisors to assist them in continually improving all aspects of hospice care services, provided through organization personnel.

3. Assists Clinical Supervisors in managing clinical teams and planning.

4. Provides help in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient and family/caregiver care to all clinical personnel as indicated.

5. Assists the Executive Director/Administrator in the preparation and administration of the organization's budget.

6. Interprets operational indicators to detect census changes and increases or decreases in volume that could impact staffing levels, revenues, or expenses.

7. Evaluates performance of Clinical Supervisors.

8. Assists Clinical Supervisors to develop skills and techniques in evaluating the performance of clinicians.

9. Hires, evaluates and terminates organization personnel.

10. Conducts annual evaluations on clinicians, or more frequently if indicated.

11. Oversees the maintenance of patient clinical records, statistics, reports, and records for purposes of evaluation and reporting of organization activities.

12. Assures proper maintenance of clinical records in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

13. Responsible for the maintenance of adequate and appropriate inventory supplies and equipment for the provision of patient services.

14. Develops, implements, and evaluates the orientation program for new organization personnel. Responsible for orientation of new organization personnel, directly or delegated.

15. Plans and implements in-service and continuing education programs to meet the education and training needs of organization personnel.

16. Assists with the evaluation of organization performance via performance improvement program, productivity, quarterly and annual reviews. Assures for the quality and safe delivery of hospice services provided through the Organization. QAPI

17. Assists in the development of organization goals. Develops, recommends, and administers organization policies and procedures.

18. Assures compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding licensure and certification of organization personnel and, maintains compliance to the CHAP Home Care standards.

19. Stays informed about changes in the field of nursing and hospice care; shares information with appropriate organization personnel.

20. Promotes hospice referrals in the health care community.

21. In the absence of the Executive Director/Administrator, the DON will become the acting Executive Director/Administrator and will be vested with the authority to act on behalf of the Executive Director/Administrator.

22. Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Administrator.

Position Qualifications

1. Registered nurse or nurse practitioner in the State with current licensure to practice professional nursing in the State.

2. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program by the National League for Nursing.

3. Demonstrated ability to supervise and direct professional and administrative personnel.

4. Ability to market and deal tactfully with customers and the community.

5. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

6. Has excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills.

7. Knowledge of business management, governmental regulations, and CHAP standards.

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Company Description