RN Patient Care Manager – Hospice

The Hospice RN Case Manager is a registered nurse responsible for providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. This role involves coordinating and delivering comprehensive nursing care, managing symptoms, and supporting patients and their families through the end-of-life process. The RN Case Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the patient’s care plan, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment and Care Planning:

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs.

  • Develop, implement, and update individualized care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary hospice team.

  • Monitor and evaluate patient conditions, adjusting care plans as needed to manage symptoms and ensure comfort.

• Symptom Management:

  • Administer medications and treatments to alleviate pain and manage symptoms such as nausea, respiratory distress, or anxiety.

  • Educate patients and families on symptom management techniques and medication use.

  • Respond promptly to changes in patient condition, coordinating with physicians and other team members for interventions.

• Coordination of Care:

  • Act as the primary liaison between patients, families, and the hospice team, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and aides.

  • Coordinate scheduling of visits and services, ensuring timely delivery of care.

  • Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and alignment with the patient’s goals and preferences.

• Patient and Family Support:

  • Provide emotional support and counseling to patients and families, addressing fears, concerns, and end-of-life planning.

  • Educate families on the dying process, caregiving techniques, and available hospice resources.

  • Assist with advance care planning, including advance directives and funeral arrangements, as needed.

• Documentation and Compliance:

  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, care plans, interventions, and communications in accordance with regulatory standards and agency policies.

  • Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other regulatory requirements for hospice care.

  • Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:

  • Attend and contribute to interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress and update care plans.

  • Collaborate with hospice aides, volunteers, and other team members to provide holistic care.

  • Advocate for patients’ needs and preferences within the team.

Qualifications

• Education and Licensure:

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN preferred).

  • Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.

  • Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN) preferred or willingness to obtain within a specified timeframe.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience, preferably in hospice, palliative care, or a related field (e.g., oncology, geriatrics).

  • Experience in case management or care coordination is a plus.

• Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with patients and families.

  • Ability to work independently and manage a caseload with strong organizational skills.

  • Compassionate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive approach to care.

  • Proficiency in electronic medical record (EMR) systems and documentation.