What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hospice Registered Nurse (Inpatient Unit) position at Hospice of Southern Kentucky?
Job Title: Registered Nurse Experience: Preferred
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
FTE Status: Full time
Schedule: Rotating 3 12's
Education Level: Licensed to practice in KY Reports to: Inpatient Unit Manager
Date: Revised June 2026
JOB SUMMARY
The R.N. is a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), working under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Services and Medical Director to provide skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. She/he identifies patient/family needs and provides direct care in accordance with physician’s orders and the patient’s individual plan of care. The RN provides care that reflects HSK’s core values of being United, Radically Available, Honor-driven, Exceptional, and Compassionate, ensuring patients and families receive coordinated, respectful, and high-quality hospice support.
He/she must have a current RN license to practice in the state of KY and is expected to consistently demonstrate teamwork, urgency, integrity, clinical excellence, and empathy in all aspects of care.
ROLE
The RN serves as the coordinator of patient care, establishing the plan of care with direct input from the interdisciplinary group (IDG), physician, patient, and family/caregiver. In doing so, the RN works in a United manner with the care team to ensure coordinated, seamless, and patient-centered care.
The RN maintains accurate clinical documentation, directs other clinical staff in patient care, and maintains ongoing communication with physicians regarding changes in condition or medications. The RN is expected to act with Honor in all documentation, communication, and decision-making, ensuring trust, integrity, and ethical practice guide patient care.
The RN demonstrates Radically Available responsiveness to patient, family, physician, and team needs, particularly in urgent or evolving clinical situations, ensuring timely intervention and continuity of care.
RESPONSIBILITIES (not limited to)
- To assume primary responsibility for patient/family assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation of the nursing process in a manner that reflects Exceptional clinical practice.
- To initiate communication with the physician, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and resources, working in a United approach to patient care.
- To maintain regular communication with the Director of Clinical Services, especially for unusual or potentially complex patient/family issues, demonstrating Honor and accountability in clinical reporting.
- To maintain regular communication with the attending physician or medical director concerning patients and families, ensuring United collaboration in care decisions.
- To obtain and assess physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors influencing patient/family health status and incorporate findings into the plan of care with Compassionate understanding.
- To maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records so that all documentation reflects Honor, integrity, and regulatory compliance.
- To administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician, ensuring safe, Exceptional nursing practice.
- To seek input from team members and families regarding the patient plan of care, fostering a United interdisciplinary approach.
- To coordinate physical care by educating primary caregivers and employed caregivers while providing direct patient care with Compassionate support and guidance.
- To attend IDT meetings and facilitate discussion of patient issues, contributing to a United team approach to care planning and evaluation.
- To participate in agency and community programs as requested, supporting Exceptional professional growth and hospice education in the community.
- To demonstrate familiarity with agency policies and state and federal regulations, ensuring Honor-driven compliance and ethical practice.
- To provide appropriate support at time of death, delivering Compassionate care to patients and families during end-of-life transitions.
- To maintain confidentiality of all patient and family information at all times, reflecting Honor and integrity.
- To promote hospice care and philosophy in the community as opportunities arise, demonstrating a United commitment to mission and outreach.
- To evaluate potential hospice patients in alternative settings, using Exceptional clinical judgment and assessment skills.
- To comply with accepted professional standards and principles in all aspects of nursing practice.
- Other duties as assigned.
RESULTS
Quality patient and family care is the primary focus of the hospice nurse. The RN promotes comfort, dignity, and symptom control to enhance the quality of life during end-of-life care. Through a Compassionate approach, patients and families develop trust in their nurse and rely on them for guidance, advocacy, and support.
The RN serves as a strong patient advocate, ensuring that patient wishes and goals are honored, and assists in the completion of last wishes and care planning with a commitment to Honor, Exceptional care, and a United team approach.
REQUIREMENTS
This position requires a current RN license to work in the state of Kentucky. It is preferred that the RN have two (2) years of nursing experience, with at least one year in an acute care setting. Hospice or home health experience is a plus.
This role requires the ability to assess and respond to patient and family needs, manage emotional stress, and work effectively with individuals of varying lifestyles, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs. The RN must demonstrate sound clinical judgment, maintain confidentiality, and function effectively within a United interdisciplinary team while delivering Compassionate, Exceptional, and Honor-driven care.
RELATIONSHIPS
The RN serves as the manager of the patient care team under the direction of the Director of Clinical Services and physician/Medical Director. This role requires close collaboration with all members of the interdisciplinary team, built on mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to United patient-centered care.
The RN also develops and maintains strong internal relationships with staff, management, and volunteers, and provides supervision and oversight to LPNs and aides.
In addition, the RN may develop external relationships with vendors, physicians, and healthcare professionals in the community. The RN serves as a visible representative of HSK, promoting hospice awareness and fostering United community partnerships that expand access to Exceptional and Compassionate end-of-life care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds. Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person