Job Description
Full-Time Hospice On-Call Registered Nurse (RN)
Position Title:
Full-Time Hospice On-Call Registered Nurse (RN) Department:
Clinical Services Reports To:
Director of Nursing Location:
Bergen and Passaic Counties, New Jersey Schedule:
Full-Time; Monday through Friday On-Call Coverage, One Weekend Per Month, Rotating Holidays Position Summary LifeSource Hospice is seeking an experienced and compassionate Full-Time Hospice On-Call Registered Nurse (RN) to provide after-hours clinical support to hospice patients and families throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties. The On-Call RN serves as the primary clinical resource during assigned on-call hours, responding to patient and caregiver needs through telephone triage and in-person visits as necessary. This role requires a highly skilled hospice nurse who is comfortable working independently, making critical clinical decisions, managing symptom crises, supporting patients and families at end of life, and coordinating care with physicians and members of the interdisciplinary team. Candidates must possess prior hospice triage experience and be able to confidently manage after-hours hospice care with minimal supervision. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Responsibilities Serve as the primary after-hours clinical contact for hospice patients, caregivers, facilities, and referral sources. Respond promptly to incoming calls and perform comprehensive telephone triage. Determine the need for nursing intervention and provide appropriate clinical guidance. Conduct urgent and emergent nursing visits throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties as needed. Assess patient condition and implement appropriate nursing interventions in accordance with physician orders and hospice plan of care. Provide expert symptom management related to pain, dyspnea, anxiety, terminal agitation, nausea, secretions, and other end-of-life symptoms. Perform tuck-in visits as assigned. Complete after-hours hospice admissions when necessary. Conduct patient death visits and pronouncements in accordance with agency policy and New Jersey regulations. Provide emotional support and education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding disease progression, symptom management, medications, and end-of-life care. Coordinate care with hospice physicians, pharmacies, durable medical equipment providers, funeral homes, and facility staff. Documentation and Communication Complete accurate, timely, and thorough documentation in the electronic medical record. Communicate significant patient changes and clinical concerns to the Director of Nursing and interdisciplinary team. Participate in clinical handoff and care coordination processes to ensure continuity of care. Maintain compliance with Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation, CHAP standards, state regulations, and agency policies. On-Call Coverage Carry and respond to the agency on-call phone during scheduled shifts. Remain available and able to travel throughout the service area during assigned on-call hours. Provide evening and overnight on-call coverage Monday through Friday. Participate in one weekend of on-call coverage per month. Participate in rotating holiday coverage. Respond to urgent patient needs within established agency response times. Qualifications Required Qualifications Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New Jersey. Minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience. Minimum of two (2) years of hospice nursing experience. Previous hospice triage and after-hours on-call experience required. Demonstrated ability to independently manage hospice patients in crisis situations. Strong knowledge of hospice philosophy, end-of-life care, symptom management, and Medicare hospice regulations. Excellent assessment, critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance. Ability to travel throughout Bergen and Passaic Counties. Preferred Qualifications Experience performing hospice admissions. Experience conducting patient pronouncements and death visits. Experience in home hospice and facility-based hospice care. Experience with WellSky/Consolo EMR. Physical Requirements Ability to drive throughout the service area. Ability to lift, transfer, position, and assist patients as needed. Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods. Ability to work in patient homes, assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and community settings. Compensation and Benefits LifeSource Hospice offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including: Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off Paid holidays 401(k) plan Mileage reimbursement Continuing education opportunities Supportive interdisciplinary team environment
