Director of Nursing Hospice Home Health Care
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Director of Nursing (DON) to lead a Hospice Home Health Care team. The Director of Nursing will oversee the clinical operations of hospice services, ensuring the highest standards of care for patients in their home environment. This leadership role involves managing nursing staff, developing and implementing clinical policies, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to those with terminal illnesses. The DON will play a vital role in ensuring that hospice services meet both quality and compliance standards while supporting the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
Key Responsibilities :
- Leadership & Management :
Supervise, mentor, and lead a team of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and other clinical staff within the hospice program.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing training, and foster professional development to ensure high-quality care and staff satisfaction.Develop staffing schedules and ensure adequate coverage for patient care needs.Clinical Operations Oversight :Oversee the delivery of clinical care to patients, ensuring services align with the individual care plans and the goals of hospice care.
Implement and monitor clinical practices to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.Ensure appropriate patient assessments, admissions, and care planning are done in collaboration with physicians and the interdisciplinary team.Review and ensure proper documentation of all patient care activities, nursing assessments, interventions, and progress in accordance with state, federal, and hospice-specific regulations.Regulatory Compliance :Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including those set forth by the Indiana State Department of Health, Medicare, and accrediting bodies such as the Joint Commission (if applicable).
Keep abreast of changes in healthcare regulations and implement policies and procedures to maintain compliance.Prepare for and lead regulatory audits, ensuring documentation and processes are up-to-date and in line with industry standards.Quality Improvement :Lead and participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care, staff performance, and organizational efficiency.
Implement patient care protocols, safety standards, and outcome measurement systems.Address patient care concerns and identify opportunities for enhancing service delivery.Collaboration & Communication :Work closely with the medical director, social workers, chaplains, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure holistic patient support.
Provide guidance to clinical staff on complex patient cases and collaborate with the physician team to develop care strategies.Act as a liaison between patients, families, and the care team, ensuring that patient and family concerns are addressed promptly and professionally.Financial Oversight :Work with the executive team to manage the nursing budget, ensuring the efficient use of resources while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Ensure that nursing services are delivered in a cost-effective manner while adhering to industry standards.Qualifications :
Licensure : Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Indiana.Experience : Minimum of 10 years of nursing experience, with at least 5 years in hospice or home health care, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.Education : Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required. Master s in Nursing or Healthcare Administration is preferred.Certifications : Hospice and Palliative Care certification (CHPN) preferred. BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required.Skills :Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate teams.
Excellent clinical assessment and problem-solving abilities.In-depth knowledge of hospice and palliative care practices and regulatory standards.Ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with a focus on patient-centered care and professional relationships.Equal Opportunity Employer.