RN Hospice Visiting Nurse

Position Summary

The RN Hospice Visiting Nurse provides compassionate, skilled nursing care to patients in their homes, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities. Serving as the primary clinical touchpoint for patients with advanced illnesses, this role focuses on pain and symptom management, emotional support, and empowering families through end-of-life care.

No prior hospice experience is required. We provide comprehensive orientation, hands-on clinical shadowing, and ongoing mentorship to help skilled RNs transition successfully into hospice care.

Core Responsibilities

1. Direct Patient Care & Symptom Management
• Perform comprehensive physical, emotional, and environmental assessments during scheduled home or facility visits.
• Administer medications, treatments, and skilled nursing interventions focused on comfort, pain control, and symptom relief.
• Continuously evaluate disease progression, medication efficacy, and patient comfort levels, adjusting care protocols as needed.
• Respond to acute changes in patient condition and assist in managing physical or emotional crises.

2. Care Plan Coordination & Team Collaboration
• Collaborate with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)—including medical directors, social workers, chaplains, hospice aides, and bereavement specialists.
• Update and maintain the patient’s Plan of Care (POC) to reflect evolving physical needs, personal goals, and comfort priorities.
• Serve as the liaison between the patient, attending physician, medical director, and pharmacy services.

3. Family Support & Patient Education
• Educate patients, family members, and caregivers on disease trajectories, symptom management, medication administration, and what to expect during the end-of-life process.
• Guide families through goal-of-care conversations and advance care directives with empathy and clarity.
• Provide continuous emotional support and practical guidance to alleviate caregiver anxiety and burnout.

4. Clinical Documentation & Administration
• Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system following each visit.
• Ensure all documentation meets regulatory standards, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), and agency policies.
• Manage personal visit schedule and assigned geographic territory efficiently to optimize patient care delivery.

Qualifications & Requirements

Licensure & Education
• Licensure: Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice required.
• Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Certifications: Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Experience
• Clinical Background: Minimum of 1–2 years of general clinical nursing experience (e.g., Med-Surg, ICU, ER, Home Health, Telemetry, or Geriatrics).
• Hospice Experience: Not required. Comprehensive training and structured orientation program provided.

Key Skills & Attributes
• Strong assessment, acute critical-thinking, and autonomous decision-making skills.
• High degree of emotional maturity, active listening, and empathetic communication skills.
• Ability to manage time independently and adapt quickly in diverse home and care environments.
• Proficiency with computer-based EMR systems (training on our specific platform provided).

Working Conditions & Travel Requirements
• Environment: Field-based position visiting private homes, residential care facilities, and nursing homes.
• Travel: Daily local travel required within an assigned geographic territory. Valid driver's license, reliable personal vehicle, and active auto insurance required.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift, transfer, and maneuver up to 50 lbs; driving for extended periods throughout the shift.

What We Offer
• Comprehensive Onboarding: Intensive classroom and field-shadowing program designed specifically for RNs new to hospice.
• Work-Life Balance: Autonomous scheduling with manageable caseloads.
• Competitive Benefits: Mileage reimbursement, medical/dental/vision coverage, PTO, retirement plans, and continuing education support.

Company Description

Healthcare Recruiting Specialists is one of the leading healthcare recruiting organizations in the Chicago area. We specialize in recruiting healthcare professionals for permanent job placement, for both part-time and full-time job opportunities. Our primary focus is providing the highest quality candidates to all our healthcare clients. Chicago HRS Inc. is reliable, provides excellent customer service and credentialed candidates for healthcare positions. We take pride in saying that we have opportunities for all types of positions for new graduates and experienced individuals. Our office is located on the north side of Chicago. Unlike most recruiters, we have a vast knowledge of the geographic and demographics of both the city and suburbs. Most of our placements are completed within a 24-48 hour time period.