VITAS Healthcare·Lakeland, Florida
The RN coordinates individualized care for seriously ill patients and families, performing comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments. They manage transitions of care between facilities and empower patients through goal-setting and advance care planning.
Why VITAS Healthcare and What Do We Offer?
VITAS Healthcare is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care. We provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth and advancement, along with competitive benefits.
The Palliative Care Registered Nurse (RN) supports VITAS Healthcare’s growing palliative care program within the assigned service area. The selected candidate will become an integral part of a comprehensive Palliative Care Team focused on providing individualized, coordinated care to patients and families residing in the community.
Coordinates care for assigned patients and provides expert, individualized support to patients and families
Completes initial and on-going comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessment of the patient and family to identify needs and areas for intervention.
Ensures appropriate referrals to specialists when indicated and support adherence to treatment plan, including physician visits for evaluation and on-going management.
Assists patients in accessing appropriate services and resources in the community to improve their overall health and well-being.
Educates patient and family to enhance understanding of disease processes and plan of care, including discussion of treatment options to ensure informed decision making.
Provides emotional support and counseling to patients and their families to improve transitions, adjustment to illness and adherence to treatment plan.
Evaluates the patient’s physical and emotional recovery after treatment utilizing appropriate resources as needed.
Empowers patients to take control of their health care by encouraging appropriate goal-setting and discussions about advance care planning/development of advance directives.
Builds relationships with other clinicians involved in the patients’ care.
Promotes patient-centered approach to care.
Partners with healthcare team to manage transitions of care between hospital, primary and specialty care.
Facilitates proactive discharge planning or follow-up to promote better outcomes, decreased length of stay and reduced readmission rates.
Protects patient rights to privacy and safeguard confidentiality when releasing patient information.
All other duties as assigned.
Requires a valid Registered Nurse license, BLS certification, and a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience. A bachelor's degree and experience in community-based settings like hospice or home health are preferred.
Market context
In Florida, nursing roles are typically in steady demand across hospice, hospital, and other care settings, especially for RNs who can work independently and adapt to varied patient needs. These positions are competitive because employers often look for current RN licensure, at least one year of experience, active BLS certification, and reliable transportation, while benefits commonly include health insurance, professional development, and a supportive work environment. Before applying, confirm your license, BLS status, and driving readiness, and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time versus reading the full original posting.
