Job Posting: Hospice Start of Care Nurse / Supervisor at VistaRiver

Job Description

VistaRiver Healthcare is excited to announce a career opportunity for a dedicated and seasoned professional as a full-time Hospice Start of Care Nurse / Supervisor. This pivotal role caters to enhancing the quality of hospice care services we provide to patients at a critical phase in their care journey. The position embodies a unique blend of clinical expertise and leadership responsibilities, aiming to uphold our commitment to compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. Located at our main facility, this position is onsite and requires a hands-on approach to patient care, staff management, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform initial Start of Care (SOC) assessments and admit patients into hospice care following regulatory guidelines and company policies.
• Lead, supervise, and evaluate an interdisciplinary team consisting of RN case managers, LPNs, CNAs, and other healthcare professionals.
• Manage patient care logistics, from symptom management strategies to crisis intervention, ensuring high standards of care are continuously met.
• Create, implement, and oversee staff schedules to ensure consistent patient coverage and staff well-being.
• Conduct regular training and development sessions for all team members to keep them updated with the latest in hospice care practice and policies.
• Ensure that all patient care documentation and records adhere to Medicare standards and other regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with healthcare providers, family members, and other stakeholders to develop individualized care plans that respect the patient’s and family’s needs and wishes.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators to assess effectiveness of care delivery and identify areas for improvement.
• Handle sensitive end-of-life and ethical issues with compassion and professionalism, providing guidance and support to staff and families.
• Maintain a robust compliance culture by regularly reviewing care procedures and adjusting protocols to align with healthcare regulations and best practices.

Requirements

• Registered Nurse (RN) with an active, unencumbered license in the state of practice.
• Minimum of 3–5 years experience in hospice care, including hands-on experience with Start of Care (SOC), admissions, and comprehensive assessments.
• Thorough knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation, hospice eligibility requirements, and documentation standards.
• Expertise in managing symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and agitation, and proficient in medication reconciliation and hospice pharmacology.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to supervise and train nursing staff and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Exceptional skills in designing and delivering educational programs for healthcare professionals, utilizing adult learning principles.
• Proficient with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems commonly used in hospice environments such as Kinnser, WellSky, or MatrixCare.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, effective in handling complex family dynamics and able to make critical decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Personal commitment to the hospice philosophy, demonstrating empathy, ethical practices, and resilience in high-stress situations.
• Possession of Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) credentials is considered a major advantage.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role highly desirable, with a background in quality improvement initiatives in clinical settings.