Hospice RN Perceptor

Position Summary

The Hospice RN Preceptor serves as a clinical mentor and educator responsible for onboarding, training, and supporting newly hired and transitioning clinical staff. The role ensures that all team members demonstrate competency in hospice philosophy, clinical skills, regulatory compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration and fosters confidence, critical thinking, and compassionate care delivery aligned with hospice standards and organizational values.

• Provide structured, discipline‑specific orientation for new hospice nurses and other clinical team members.
• Facilitate hands‑on training during patient visits, modeling best practices in symptom management, communication, and end‑of‑life care.
• Supervise and validate clinical competencies, including dietary counseling, hospice nursing services, treatment and preventive procedures, nursing interventions, symptom monitoring, and family education.
• Observe patient signs and symptoms and report unexpected changes to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
• Teach, supervise, and counsel hospice patients and family members about providing care for the patient.
• Develop and re‑evaluate patient/family care plans in conjunction with interdisciplinary team members.
• Attend team conferences and maintain required records, following hospice policies, procedures, and HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in on‑call coverage and coordinate care plan implementation for patients residing in health‑care facilities.
• Organize work schedule and time management to attend all required meetings.
• Assist with orientation, teaching, and training as requested by the Director of Clinical Services or Clinical Manager.
• Transition orientee from observation to independent practice using a competency‑based approach.

• Collaborate with the Director of Orientation and Workforce Readiness to implement and refine orientation programs.
• Assist in developing educational materials, skills checklists, and competency tools.
• Provide real‑time coaching and constructive feedback to orientees.
• Identify learning gaps and create individualized development plans.
• Support ongoing staff education, including refreshers and skill validations.

• Ensure adherence to hospice Conditions of Participation, state, and federal regulations.
• Mentor staff on accurate, timely, and defensible clinical documentation.
• Reinforce eligibility criteria and appropriate clinical decision‑making.
• Monitor orientee documentation and provide corrective guidance as needed.

• Model effective collaboration with the hospice interdisciplinary team, including nursing, social work, chaplaincy, aides, and physicians.
• Educate orientees on each discipline’s role and the importance of coordinated care.
• Promote timely communication and follow‑up on patient needs.

• Serve as a role model for hospice philosophy, compassion, and professionalism.
• Promote a culture of accountability, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
• Support employee engagement and retention through positive onboarding experiences.
• Provide feedback to leadership on orientee progress and readiness.

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

• Minimum of 3‑5 years of hospice or palliative care experience, RNCM preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in end‑of‑life care, symptom management, and patient/family education.
• Previous preceptor, educator, or leadership experience preferred.

• Strong understanding of hospice regulations and eligibility criteria.
• Exceptional communication and teaching skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and evaluate clinical performance.
• Critical thinking and clinical judgment in complex situations.
• High level of emotional intelligence and empathy.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems.

• Provides care and training in patient homes, facilities, and community settings.
• Participates in ride‑along, field training, and…