Director of Nursing - Hospice

General Purpose

The Director of Nursing (DON) oversees all clinical operations of the hospice program, ensuring high‑quality, patient‑centered care that aligns with regulatory standards, organizational goals, and the hospice philosophy.

This leader is responsible for clinical staff management, compliance, quality improvement, and the development of a supportive, compassionate care environment for patients and families.

Essential Duties

Clinical Leadership


* Provide strategic direction and oversight for all hospice clinical services, ensuring consistent delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based care.


* Serve as the primary clinical resource for interdisciplinary team members, offering guidance on complex patient situations, symptom management, and care planning.


* Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized patient care plans.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality


* Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS Conditions of Participation and accreditation standards.


* Lead quality improvement initiatives, including audits, chart reviews, and performance metrics.


* Maintain and update clinical policies, procedures, and best practices to reflect current standards of care.

Staff Management & Development


* Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate clinical staff, including RNs, LPNs, CNAs, social workers, and other interdisciplinary team members.


* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassionate care.


* Coordinate staffing schedules to ensure adequate coverage and continuity of care.

Operational Oversight


* Collaborate with executive leadership on budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning.


* Monitor clinical productivity, caseload distribution, and operational efficiency.


* Participate in organizational committees and contribute to program development and expansion.

Patient & Family Support


* Promote a patient‑ and family‑centered approach, ensuring care aligns with the hospice philosophy of comfort, dignity, and emotional support.


* Address escalated concerns or complex care needs with professionalism and empathy.


* Support bereavement and family services as part of the interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

Required


* Current RN license in the state of practice.


* Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) is preferred.


* Minimum 3-5 years of hospice or palliative care experience.


* Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a clinical setting.


* Strong knowledge of hospice regulations, CMS Conditions of Participation, and clinical best practices.

Preferred


* Master's degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field.


* CHPN or other hospice‑related certification.


* Experience with EMR systems and quality improvement programs.

Key Competencies


* Strong leadership and team‑building skills.


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