Inpatient Registered Nurse

Position Summary:

The Hospice of Baton Rouge is seeking a compassionate and experienced Inpatient Registered Nurse (RN) to provide patient-centered hospice care within the inpatient unit. This role supports patients through comprehensive assessments, individualized care planning, and the implementation of interventions that promote comfort and quality of life.

The Inpatient Unit offers day shifts (7am - 7pm; 10am - 10pm) and night shifts (7pm - 7am). The Inpatient RN collaborates closely with patients’ families, physicians, hospice aides, and the interdisciplinary care team while ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to hospice standards of care.

Job Functions:

• Utilize the nursing process to assess patients and develop individualized nursing care plans in accordance with hospice policies and established standards of care.
• Provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients in the inpatient unit and work with families and caregivers to support their understanding and involvement in the care process.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation—including records, reports, and required forms—within established time frames (e.g., 24 hours for admissions, deaths, and visits).
• Anticipate patient and family needs and appropriately engage the interdisciplinary team and community resources to support comprehensive care.
• Initiate nursing interventions to prevent complications and manage symptoms of physical and psychological discomfort to promote optimal quality of life.
• Respond effectively to physical and emotional emergencies or crisis situations within the inpatient setting.
• Educate patients and families on the plan of care, goals of treatment, and the implications of the diagnosis and prognosis.
• Collaborate with all members of the interdisciplinary team and contribute nursing expertise to ensure holistic care planning for the patient and family.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Certification: 

• Current Louisiana Registered Nurse license required.
• Current CPR certification required.

Work Experience:

• At least two years of experience as a staff nurse in either an acute care setting (general medical-surgical, oncological, or geriatric) or home care setting.
• Hospice or palliative care experience preferred but not required.

Special Skills:

• Ability to assess and respond to needs of patients and families in the home
• Ability to work independently as well as on an interdisciplinary team.
• Supportive and sensitive to needs of patients and families, as well as other staff and volunteers.
• Able to cope with the emotional stress of patient, family and self that ensures when rendering nursing care to dying patients.
• Humanistic attitude toward patient/family care.
• Tolerant of individual lifestyles.

Other Requirements:

• Good physical assessment skills and computer skills.
• Good communication skills and techniques with facilities, patients, families, physicians, and office staff.
• Installation of company communication application on cellular device.
• Must be in good physical condition.