Hospice Registered Nurse (Home & Inpatient)
Colchester, VT
PRIDE Health
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Hospice Nurse Opportunity - Home Health & Hospice Setting

Location & Facility

• Hospice care with a total census of about 100 patients:

  • 21 beds in an inpatient hospice setting (McClure Miller Respite House)
  • Approximately 80 patients in home, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and assisted living facilities (ALF)
• Teaching facility (yes), but no teaching hospital experience required
• No trauma level designation

Contract Length

• 6 weeks (interpreted from contract_length value)

Experience & Certification Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years clinical experience required
• Minimum 3 years clinical experience in hospice or related specialty
• BLS certification required
• Vermont nursing license required at time of submission
• Experience in hospice/end-of-life care strongly preferred
• No unexplained employment gaps over 90 days allowed

Patient Population

• Terminally ill patients with prognosis of 6 months or less
• Primarily adult patients, occasional pediatric patients in home setting

Unit & Work Environment

• Nurse-patient ratios:

  • Home setting: caseloads of 12-14 patients per nurse
  • Inpatient hospice (MMRH): day shift 5-7 patients, overnight up to 11 patients
• CNA/PCT support available (4 staff per shift)
• Advanced Practice Provider (NP) available full-time on unit, mostly at inpatient hospice
• Floating not required, but some rotation between home hospice and inpatient hospice
• Charge nurse duties not required
• Orientation: 2-3 days
• Specialty testing: full onboarding online prior to arrival

Scheduling & Shifts

• Inpatient hospice (MMRH) shifts: 7-7:30 (12-hour shifts), plus 8am-4:30pm Monday-Friday for home hospice
• Rotation includes 1 weekend shift at inpatient hospice and weekend rotation in home hospice
• Self-scheduling not available
• Call coverage rarely needed but may be required occasionally
• Holiday work may be required; holiday time off not guaranteed

Clinical Responsibilities & Procedures

• Complex symptom management and education focused on end-of-life care
• Pain management including continuous pain infusions and palliative sedation
• Central line care (PORT/IVAD, PICC, other central lines)
• Tracheostomy care and management
• Rectal tube, wound care, ostomy, and drain management
• Venipuncture for labs/specimens
• Medication administration via multiple routes (IV, subcutaneous, oral, sublingual, rectal)
• Strong emphasis on comprehensive assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills
• Participation in goals of care discussions with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team

Equipment & Technology

• Use of CADD pumps, feeding pumps, suction devices, BiPAP/CPAP, nebulizers, IV pumps, glucose and INR monitoring devices
• Documentation system: Net Smart (training provided during orientation)
• Medication system: Not applicable
• Respiratory and anesthesia support not available 24/7 onsite

Additional Information

• Reliable personal or rental vehicle strongly recommended due to lack of public transportation
• No block scheduling allowed
• Vehicles should be equipped with all-season or snow tires from November through April
• Travel experience preferred but not required
• End-of-life care is a priority focus for this role

This position is ideal for experienced hospice nurses comfortable with both home and inpatient hospice care, who have strong clinical skills in symptom management and end-of-life care, and who can work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.