Weekend Hospice Nurse

The Weekend Hospice Nurse plays a critical role in providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses during weekend hours. This position focuses on managing symptoms, offering emotional support, and ensuring comfort for patients in their homes or hospice facilities. The nurse collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, and chaplains, to develop and implement individualized care plans. By maintaining clear communication with patients and their families, the Weekend Hospice Nurse helps navigate complex healthcare decisions and promotes dignity in end-of-life care. Ultimately, this role ensures continuity of care during weekends, addressing urgent needs and enhancing the quality of life for patients and their loved ones.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid WI Registered Nurse (RN) license 
• Minimum of two years of clinical nursing experience, preferably in hospice, palliative care, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently during weekend shifts with excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrated skills in patient and family counseling or bereavement support.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs during weekend shifts.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, monitoring patient responses and adjusting care plans accordingly.
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding disease progression, symptom management, and available resources.
• Collaborate with the hospice interdisciplinary team to update care plans and communicate changes in patient status.
• Document all nursing interventions, patient interactions, and clinical observations accurately and timely in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Respond promptly to patient and family concerns or emergencies, ensuring safety and comfort at all times.
• Facilitate coordination of care with other healthcare providers and community resources as needed.

Skills:

The Weekend Hospice Nurse utilizes clinical nursing skills daily to assess and manage complex symptoms, ensuring patient comfort and dignity. Effective communication skills are essential for educating patients and families, as well as collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities enable the nurse to respond swiftly to changing patient conditions and emergencies during weekend hours. Time management and organizational skills are vital to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate documentation under minimal supervision. Additionally, empathy and emotional resilience support the nurse in providing compassionate care and emotional support to patients and their loved ones during challenging times.