What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Nursing - RN position at First Care Hospice?
Join a compassionate, patient-centered hospice team dedicated to providing exceptional end-of-life care. Our Camarillo hospice agency is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Nursing (DON) to lead our clinical team with integrity, empathy, and excellence. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of hospice regulations and best practices, and a passion for supporting patients and families through one of life’s most meaningful journeys.
**While we continue to grow our census, this role will temporarily require our DON to complete all skilled nursing visits and do some marketing within our community. **
**Salary DOE**
Position Summary:
The Director of Nursing (DON) for Hospice provides clinical leadership and oversight for all hospice nursing staff and care delivery. This role ensures that end-of-life care is delivered with compassion, dignity, and in compliance with all regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards. The DON supervises the interdisciplinary clinical team, supports quality improvement, and upholds the mission of providing patient- and family-centered care during the final stages of life.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee the day-to-day clinical operations of the hospice program, ensuring appropriate, high-quality care is provided to all patients.
- Supervise and support hospice nurses (RNs/LVNs), home health aides, and other field staff in accordance with care plans and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure timely and appropriate admission, recertification, and discharge of patients in collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team.
- Lead clinical case conferences, IDG (Interdisciplinary Group) meetings, and care planning discussions to ensure alignment of services with patient goals.
- Maintain compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, state licensing regulations, and accreditation standards (Joint Commission).
- Develop, implement, and revise nursing policies and procedures specific to hospice care.
- Monitor clinical documentation for accuracy, completeness, and timeliness; provide corrective action as needed.
- Participate in on-call rotation and provide clinical support and guidance to field staff after hours, as needed.
- Ensure that staff competency, training, and certifications are up to date and documented.
- Collaborate with the Medical Director, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers to deliver holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.
- Oversee infection control, incident reporting, and quality improvement efforts.
- Serve as a liaison for patients, families, referral sources, and community partners to address clinical concerns or service issues.
- Manage staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of care.
- Participate in budget planning and monitor clinical department expenditures.
Qualifications:
- Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN preferred).
- Licensure: Current and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of California
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years in hospice or palliative care nursing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Certifications: BLS required; Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
- Deep understanding of the hospice philosophy and end-of-life care principles.
- Excellent communication skills with patients, families, and clinical teams.
- Knowledge of Medicare hospice benefit and applicable regulations.
- Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
- Proficiency in electronic health records and clinical systems
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Must be available for on-call support and emergency staffing coverage.
- Occasional travel for supervisory home visits, training, or audits.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Must be able to lift or move up to 25 lbs when necessary.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000