Hospice Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON)

Job Details:

Job Location: 303 - JOL Hospice Temple - Bastrop, TX, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $100000.00Salary/year, Travel Percentage: Up to 50%, Job Category: Nurse, The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) supports the Regional Director of Hospice Operations (RDO) in providing clinical leadership and oversight of hospice nursing services.

The ADON assists with ensuring that patients and families receive high-quality, compassionate, and timely hospice care in accordance with physician orders, the individualized plan of care, hospice standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

The ADON works closely with the interdisciplinary team, nurses, physicians, patients, and families to promote quality outcomes, continuity of care, regulatory compliance, and effective clinical operations.

This position may provide direct patient care as needed and serves as a clinical resource and support to the nursing team. Essential Duties and

Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership and Oversight Assist the Director of Nursing with the overall management and coordination of hospice nursing services. Provide clinical guidance, support, and direction to RNs, LVNs/LPNs, CNAs and other clinical staff.

Assist with monitoring nursing services to ensure patients receive appropriate care based on their individualized plan of care. Support appropriate assessment and reassessment of patients' physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.

Promote effective symptom management and comfort-focused care consistent with the goals of hospice. Assist with reviewing patient records, clinical documentation, and plans of care for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.

Provide clinical support to staff regarding changes in patient condition, symptom management, medication concerns, and end-of-life care. Participate in patient care visits when needed, including admissions, routine visits, supervisory visits, and visits related to changes in condition.

Staff Supervision and Support Assist with supervising and evaluating nursing staff and supporting staff performance and development. Help coordinate nursing assignments and patient coverage to promote continuity and timely patient care.

Assist with orientation, onboarding, competency assessments, and ongoing education of nursing staff. Identify educational needs and assist with developing or coordinating appropriate training. Promote effective communication and teamwork among nursing staff and the interdisciplinary team.

Serve as a resource to staff regarding hospice policies, procedures, clinical standards, and regulatory requirements. Assist with addressing performance concerns and implementing corrective action when appropriate and directed by the RDO.

Hospice Admissions and Patient Care Assist with coordinating timely hospice admissions and ensuring appropriate clinical information is obtained. Review referrals and patient information as needed to help determine appropriateness for hospice services in collaboration with the hospice physician and RDO.

Ensure appropriate initial assessments and comprehensive assessments are completed timely. Monitor changes in patient condition and assist staff with appropriate interventions and updates to the plan of care.

Promote appropriate communication with physicians regarding changes in patient condition and medication or treatment needs. Support effective coordination of care between hospice staff, physicians, facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, DME providers, and other members of the care team.

Regulatory and Quality Compliance Assist the RDO with maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state hospice regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and organizational policies and procedures. Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement (QAPI) activities.

Assist with chart audits, clinical audits, and review of documentation for compliance and quality. Assist with preparation for surveys, audits, and regulatory reviews. Monitor clinical practices and documentation to identify opportunities for improvement.

Participate in incident, complaint, and adverse-event reviews as requested. Help ensure that required assessments, care plans, orders, certifications, recertifications, and other clinical documentation are completed accurately and timely.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration Participate in interdisciplinary group (IDG) meetings and collaborate with physicians, social workers, chaplains, aides, volunteers, and other members of the hospice team. Promote effective communication among members of the interdisciplinary team.

Assist with ensuring that patient and family needs are communicated and addressed appropriately. Support coordination of services based on the patient's changing needs and goals of care.

Promote patient and family education regarding hospice services, disease progression, medications, symptom management, and end-of-life care. On-Call and Emergency Support Participate in the hospice on-call rotation as required by the organization.

Provide clinical support and guidance to nursing staff during after-hours situations when assigned. Assist with addressing urgent patient care concerns and changes in condition. Help coordinate appropriate staffing and clinical coverage when necessary. Administrative

Responsibilities

Assist the RDO with day-to-day nursing department operations. Assist with staffing, scheduling, and coverage needs. Monitor clinical staffing needs and communicate staffing concerns to the RDO. Assist with maintaining nursing policies, procedures, protocols, and clinical resources.

Participate in nursing department meetings and organizational meetings as assigned. Complete reports and documentation accurately and timely. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing or Administrator.

Qualifications

Qualifications Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Texas. Graduate of an accredited nursing program. Hospice, home health, palliative care, or other appropriate clinical experience preferred. Previous supervisory, leadership, or management experience preferred.

Knowledge of hospice philosophy, end-of-life care, and interdisciplinary care delivery. Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills. Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills. Ability to work effectively with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with electronic medical records and clinical documentation systems. Current CPR certification as required by the organization. Physical

Requirements

Ability to travel to patient homes, facilities, and other locations as required. Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift as necessary to perform job duties. Ability to safely perform or assist with patient care activities within the scope of practice and organizational policies.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and members of the healthcare team. Work Environment This position may involve work in patient homes, facilities, the hospice office, and other healthcare settings.

The ADON may be required to work varying schedules, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and on-call hours, based on the needs of the hospice program.