What are the responsibilities and job description for the After hours Hospice RN-Northwest Chicago and north suburbs position at Aurora Health Care?
Major Responsibilities
- Incorporate responsibility, accountability, critical thinking, and sound clinical decision-making into daily nursing practice.
- Provide comprehensive nursing assessment, triage, and intervention for hospice patients during after-hours shifts.
- Respond to patient and caregiver calls to assess symptoms, provide education, and determine appropriate interventions consistent with hospice goals of care.
- Conduct in-person visits as clinically indicated to manage acute symptom changes, provide crisis support, and ensure patient comfort and safety.
- Manage complex end-of-life symptoms, including pain, dyspnea, agitation, anxiety, nausea, and terminal secretions.
- Initiate and carry out physician orders and standing hospice protocols within scope of practice.
- Provide emotional support, anticipatory guidance, and education to patients and caregivers, including support for decisions to question, refuse, or terminate treatment.
- Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to communicate changes in patient condition and coordinate care.
- Document all patient encounters, assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and timely in the electronic medical record, including clear handoff communication to ensure continuity of care.
- Adhere to hospice policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional nursing standards, including participation in required education, quality improvement, and safety initiatives.
- Completion of an accredited or approved nursing program
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
- Valid driver’s license
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification – American Heart Association
- Typically one (1) year of nursing experience in any clinical setting
- Demonstrated understanding of hospice philosophy and end-of-life care principles
- Ability to manage urgent and complex clinical situations independently
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including calm and compassionate guidance during crisis situations
- Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency with electronic medical records, computers, and telephone systems
- Ability to travel to patient homes and community care settings as required
- Ability to work in a variety of home and community environments
- Capacity to promptly address patient needs in a fast-paced environment
- Work involves walking, standing, sitting, lifting, reaching, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling
- Must be able to lift and support up to 35 pounds when handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies
- Not specified
- One (1) year of Hospice RN experience
- Experience in hospice, palliative care, oncology, ICU, emergency department, or home health
- Experience providing autonomous nursing care in home or community-based settings
- Strong assessment, critical thinking, and independent clinical decision-making skills
- Advanced communication skills for patient and caregiver education and support