Hospice -Registered Nurse

As a Hospice Registered Nurse at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Polk County, MO, you will be responsible for providing compassionate care to patients and their families during end-of-life situations. Your duties include assessing patient conditions, developing nursing care plans, administering medications, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care. You'll also be an emotional support system for families and will help guide them through difficult decisions, ensuring a dignified and pain-free experience for your patients.

To qualify for the Hospice Registered Nurse position at Citizens Memorial Hospital, candidates must hold an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing and possess a valid RN license. Previous experience in hospice or palliative care is preferred but not always required. Strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work independently are essential attributes for success in this role, as it involves interacting closely with patients and their families.

The typical work schedule for a Hospice Registered Nurse at Citizens Memorial Hospital is from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic. In addition to regular hours, RNs will need to be on-call one night every other week and work one full 24-hour weekend shift per month. This schedule allows nurses to provide essential care while still having time for personal commitments and relaxation.

Hospice Registered Nurses at Citizens Memorial Hospital enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both their professional and personal lives. This includes competitive salaries, student loan assistance, annual merit increases, and a full suite of insurance benefits for employees and their families. Other perks include paid time off, early pay access through the PayActiv Program, a company-matched retirement plan, and employee discounts that enhance both work and life experiences.

To apply for the Hospice Registered Nurse position at Citizens Memorial Hospital, interested candidates should reach out directly to Reagan Payne via phone or email. Make sure to prepare a resume highlighting your nursing experience and be ready to discuss your passion for hospice care. This role is a wonderful opportunity to join a supportive team committed to providing high-quality care to patients during their most vulnerable moments.

When answering this question, reflect on your personal experiences or inspirations that led you to hospice care. Emphasize your passion for providing compassionate end-of-life care, your desire to support patients and their families emotionally, and how you see your role as an RN positively impacting their journey.

Discuss your strategies for coping with emotional stress, including establishing healthy boundaries, seeking support from colleagues, or utilizing the Employee Assistance Program. Employers value candidates who recognize the challenges of hospice work and have proactive methods for maintaining their mental well-being.

Provide a specific example that showcases your clinical judgment and empathy. Focus on how you assessed the situation, communicated with the patient's family, and consulted with the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Highlight the importance of patient dignity and family involvement.

Effective communication is key in hospice care. Discuss your commitment to active listening, creating a supportive environment, and delivering information with sensitivity and compassion. You can mention techniques like using clear language, addressing emotional needs, and providing ongoing support throughout the care process.

Describe your experience working with coworkers from various healthcare disciplines. Emphasize your ability to communicate clearly, share insights, and respect differing perspectives while working toward a common goal of providing quality care for hospice patients.

Detail any specific experiences you have with pain management protocols, methods, and medications used in a hospice setting. Highlight your understanding of individualized care plans and your ability to assess and adjust pain management strategies based on patient feedback.

Discuss your approach to these sensitive conversations, emphasizing preparation, empathy, and respect for the patient's wishes. You might also mention how you encourage family members to express their feelings and ask questions, all while providing reassurance throughout the process.

Discuss practical ways you remain optimistic, such as focusing on the quality of life and celebrating every small victory with patients and families. Mention the importance of self-care practices that help you recharge, ensuring you remain a compassionate caregiver.

Mention professional development activities such as attending workshops, webinars, or pursuing certifications in hospice and palliative care. Highlight the significance of staying informed about evolving practices and guidelines to provide the best care possible.

Express your interest in CMH's values, mission, and commitment to providing quality care. Share any specific knowledge you have about their hospice programs or innovative approaches, and how you align with their objective of enhancing patients' quality of life in every possible way.