Job Summary
North Georgia Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking a compassionate and experienced Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) to join our growing team. As a locally owned startup hospice, we are committed to providing exceptional end-of-life care with our guiding philosophy: Compassion that feels like family.
The RN is responsible for coordinating and managing the overall plan of care for hospice patients. This role provides skilled nursing assessments, symptom management, patient and family education, and care coordination to ensure patients receive the highest quality, comfort-focused care. The RN serves as a key member of the interdisciplinary team and advocates for patients and families throughout the hospice journey.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Clinical Assessment & Care Planning
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and ongoing evaluations of physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.
- Develop, implement, and update individualized hospice plans of care.
- Monitor patient status and adjust care plans as needed to meet changing needs.
- Coordinate physician orders and ensure timely implementation of treatment plans.
- Manage pain and symptom control utilizing hospice and palliative care best practices.
- Identify and respond to urgent patient care needs, including after-hours support as assigned.
Case Management
- Serve as the primary clinical coordinator for assigned hospice patients.
- Coordinate care among physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, volunteers, and other healthcare providers.
- Ensure all services are delivered according to the patient's plan of care.
- Facilitate patient admissions, recertifications, transfers, discharges, and end-of-life care transitions.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
Patient & Family Education
- Educate patients and caregivers regarding disease progression, symptom management, medications, and end-of-life care.
- Provide emotional support and guidance to patients and families during difficult transitions.
- Assist families in understanding hospice philosophy, goals of care, and available resources.
- Support advance care planning discussions when appropriate.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Ensure compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, state regulations, accreditation standards, and company policies.
- Complete required assessments, care plans, visit notes, and physician communications within established timeframes.
- Participate in quality improvement and performance improvement initiatives.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise and provide direction to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and other support staff as assigned.
- Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to deliver coordinated patient care.
- Serve as a clinical resource for patients, families, and team members.
- Promote a culture of compassion, accountability, and excellence.
Qualifications Required
- Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Georgia.
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience.
- Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
- Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas.
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records and documentation systems.
Preferred
- One (1) year of hospice, palliative care, home health, oncology, geriatrics, or related experience.
- Experience with Medicare hospice regulations and compliance requirements.
- Previous case management experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of hospice philosophy and end-of-life care principles.
- Excellent communication, counseling, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple patient cases.
- Exceptional organizational and time-management abilities.
- Strong problem-solving and clinical decision-making skills.
- Ability to navigate emotionally sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
- Commitment to patient-centered, compassionate care.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform nursing assessments and patient care activities in various home and facility settings.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching.
- Ability to lift and transfer patients with assistance as needed.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess patient conditions and communicate effectively.
Work Environment
- Patient homes, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and other care settings.
- Frequent travel within the assigned service area.
- Exposure to infectious diseases and varying environmental conditions.
- Participation in on-call rotation as required.
Pay: $79,688.93 - $95,969.47 per year
Work Location: In person
