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.
• Excellent clinical judgment and problem‑solving abilities.
• Effective communication with patients, families, staff, and external partners.
• High emotional intelligence and resilience in end‑of‑life care environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven setting.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Prolonged use of a desktop or laptop computer. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk and talk, read or hear. Frequent use of all office related equipment to include: copier/scanner/fax, telephone, calculator. Travel by auto or airline may be required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.