Hospice Nurse Practitioner

Job Description

*Job Overview*
Reports To:

Medical Director / Director of Clinical Services

Position Summary:

The Hospice Nurse Practitioner (NP) plays a critical role in evaluating patients for hospice eligibility by conducting comprehensive clinical assessments and determining whether patients meet Medicare and regulatory criteria for hospice admission and continued services. The NP collaborates closely with the Medical Director, interdisciplinary team (IDT), referring providers, patients, and families to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant eligibility determinations while supporting patient-centered, end-of-life care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Conduct face-to-face and comprehensive clinical assessments to determine hospice eligibility in accordance with CMS, Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs), and hospice-specific guidelines.
* Evaluate terminal diagnoses, comorbidities, functional status, disease progression, and prognosis of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course.
* Document clinical findings clearly and thoroughly to support hospice eligibility, certification, and recertification.
* Collaborate with the Hospice Medical Director to review eligibility findings and support certification decisions.
* Participate in admission reviews, eligibility determinations, and complex case consultations.
* Perform face-to-face encounters for hospice recertification as required by regulation.
* Communicate assessment findings and care recommendations to patients, families, and caregivers with compassion and clarity.
* Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team (RN Case Managers, Social Workers, Chaplains, and others) to ensure appropriate care planning.
* Ensure all documentation meets regulatory, accreditation, and agency standards.
* Provide education to staff regarding eligibility criteria, disease trajectories, and regulatory requirements.
* Maintain current knowledge of hospice regulations, CMS guidance, and best practices.
* Participate in quality improvement initiatives and compliance audits as assigned.

Qualifications:

*Education & Licensure*

* Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
* Current, unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in the state of practice.
* National NP certification (ANCC, AANP, or equivalent).
* Current DEA license and prescriptive authority.
* Current BLS certification (ACLS preferred).

*Experience*

* Minimum of 2–3 years of clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner.
* Prior hospice, palliative care, geriatrics, or serious illness experience strongly preferred.
* Strong understanding of hospice eligibility criteria and Medicare regulations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* In-depth knowledge of terminal disease processes and prognostication.
* Excellent clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
* Strong documentation and communication skills.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
* Compassionate, patient-centered approach to end-of-life care.
* Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

* Community-based setting including patient homes, facilities, and hospice offices.
* Ability to travel locally.
* Ability to sit, stand, walk, and perform clinical assessments as required.

Pay: $54.52 – $65.66 per hour

Work Location: In person