Director of Nursing, Hospice

Exciting News!!!!! Destiny Hospice is expanding our hospice services to cover Northern IL. This is a great opportunity for an experienced Director of Nursing to build their team and expand into other IL areas. This role will provide opportunities for future advancement within the organization. 

Join our compassionate and dedicated team at Destiny Hospice, a leading provider of hospice care services in Illinois. We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our patients and their families through exceptional end-of-life care. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Hospice Director of Nursing to lead our nursing team in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Job Summary:

The Hospice Director of Nursing will oversee the clinical operations of our hospice program, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, including those of Illinois and Medicaid. This leadership role involves managing the nursing staff, developing care protocols, and ensuring the delivery of compassionate, holistic care to patients and families. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong clinical expertise and a passion for hospice care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing services in the hospice program.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulations and Medicaid standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and hospice aides.
• Develop and maintain individualized patient care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary hospice team.
• Monitor clinical outcomes and implement quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with physicians, social workers, and other team members to ensure comprehensive care.
• Manage staffing schedules, budgets, and resources to maintain operational efficiency.
• Ensure accurate documentation and adherence to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement requirements.
• Foster a culture of compassion, teamwork, and professional development within the nursing team.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree in Nursing, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.
• Licensure: Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Illinois.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience, with at least 2 years in hospice or palliative care. Previous leadership or supervisory experience required.
• Illinois Requirements:
  • Compliance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) regulations for hospice programs, including licensure and certification standards (IL Administrative Code, Title 77, Part 280).
  • Knowledge of Illinois hospice licensing requirements, including the need for a designated RN to coordinate patient care plans (IDPH Home Health & Hospice License Requirements). 
  • Ability to ensure the hospice program meets IDPH standards for staff training, patient care, and documentation.
• Medicaid Requirements:
  • Ensure services align with Medicaid Hospice Benefit standards, including nursing, medical social services, physician services, counseling, and short-term inpatient care (Medicaid.gov). 
  • Obtain physician certification that patients are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less.
  • Develop and maintain individualized written plans of care (POC) established by the hospice interdisciplinary group, including the attending physician, patient, and caregivers.
  • Ensure compliance with Medicaid’s requirement for face-to-face encounters by a hospice physician or nurse practitioner for recertification after the initial 180-day period. 
  • Knowledge of Medicaid reimbursement processes, including per diem billing for routine home care, continuous home care, inpatient respite care, and general inpatient care. 
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills; proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems; ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
• Certifications: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification preferred.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

To Apply:  Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re interested in helping to build a growing hospice company.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Destiny Hospice is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.