Hospice Weekend On Call RN

Job Summary:

The Weekend On Call RN is responsible for delivering compassionate, high-quality nursing care to hospice patients and their families during weekend hours. This role ensures continuity of care from Friday at 5:00 p.m. through Monday at 8:30 a.m. by responding to urgent needs, completing admissions, and managing symptoms per hospice protocol. The Weekend On Call RN works independently and collaboratively with the hospice interdisciplinary team to provide on-call coverage, home visits, and crisis intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Symptom Management & Crisis Intervention (35%)
   • Provides urgent and scheduled visits, including 2nd visits for symptom control and support.
   • Administers medications and treatments as prescribed; evaluates effectiveness and adjusts plans accordingly.
   • Delivers continuous care or increased visits during periods of crisis or increased patient/family need.
   • Communicates timely updates and concerns to the attending physician.
   • Completes hospice admissions during the weekend on-call period.
2. Clinical Assessment & Care Planning (20%)
   • Conducts initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of patient and family needs.
   • Initiates nursing procedures and palliative interventions that support the comfort and dignity of the patient.
   • Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and family to ensure goals of care are met.
3. Care Coordination & Documentation (20%)
   • Ensures timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record per hospice policies.
   • Coordinates the availability of equipment, supplies, and medications for new patients.
   • Assists with entering or reviewing physician orders and medications when needed.
4. Family Education & Support (10%)
   • Provides emotional support, instruction, and guidance to patients, caregivers, and family members.
   • Teaches self-care techniques, pain management, medication administration, and other care tasks as needed.
   • Serves as a compassionate resource during times of distress, promoting patient-centered comfort and dignity.
5. Compliance and Training (10%)
   • Follow all HIPAA privacy regulations, maintaining confidentiality for residents and staff.
   • Attend all mandatory in-services, meetings, and training sessions.
   • Provide exceptional customer service through compassionate and empathetic care to patients and families.
6. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications:

• Education: Completion of an accredited Registered Nurse (RN) program.
• Licensure: Current RN license in the state of practice. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing (CHPN) preferred. Must possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• Experience: Previous experience in hospice or palliative care preferred.
• Skills: Strong clinical and patient care skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and office software. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and turn, move, and transport patients using proper body mechanics and lifting devices as needed.
• Capacity to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and physical activities, such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Work is performed in a healthcare setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and chemicals.
• Must be able to work various shifts, including weekends, holidays as needed.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.  Must be able to travel throughout the service area.