Director of Patient Care Services

Schedule: Full-timeCompensation: Starting compensation range of $140,000.00 - $150,000.00 annually. Exact compensation will be determined by experience, education, licensure/certifications, and location, in accordance with applicable laws.Position OverviewThe Director of Nursing (DON) or Director of Patient Care Services provides clinical leadership for Loma Linda University Hospice’s daily care delivery operations across a market census, supervising a multidisciplinary clinical team comprising of nurses, aides, therapists and interdisciplinary team members. This role balances operational excellence with empathetic leadership ensuring each patient receives compassionate, high-quality end-of-life care while maintaining performance metrics that meet the standards of Loma Linda University Hospice’s joint venture partnership. The DON is accountable for clinical outcomes, workforce utilization, and compliance, driving a metrics-based culture where decisions are informed by data, not intuition.Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Leadership & Team OversightLead and coach an interdisciplinary team (clinical managers, RNs, LVNs, aides, therapists)Ensure high-quality hospice care aligned with regulatory and organizational standardsEstablish and enforce clinical workflows, standards, and expectationsDrive accountability through:Team huddlesCase reviewsPerformance coachingMaintain field presence to support staff and patient experiencePartner with Medical Director and IDT to ensure appropriate, compliant care plansWorkforce Management & Staff UtilizationOversee scheduling, territory coverage, and caseload distributionEnsure staffing ratios and productivity meet established benchmarksMonitor and optimize:Visit volumesTime utilizationWorkload balanceAlign staffing with census and admissions to prevent gapsCoordinate across admissions, nursing, and scheduling teamsEnsure payroll accuracy through auditing of visits and documentationManage triage and resource allocation efficientlyUltimate Accountability & Hands-On Clinical SupportMaintain full accountability for clinical operations and care continuityStep in or ensure coverage when needed, including:AdmissionsUrgent visitsCare coordination and dischargesCritical patient needsProvide direct support during staffing gaps or high-priority situationsServe as a hands-on leader with occasional frontline clinical involvementRetain responsibility for outcomes at all timesMetrics & Performance ManagementLead operations using a data-driven approachAccountable for:Patient Satisfaction (5-Star target)Staff Retention (≥85%)Documentation completion (within 24 hours)Productivity benchmarksMonitor and analyze:Clinical outcomesVisit/utilization dataOperational KPIsConduct performance reviews and corrective actionsReport performance metrics to executive and partner leadershipLeverage EHR data to drive compliance, productivity, and quality outcomesClinical Systems & EHR ProficiencyAchieve EHR proficiency within 60 daysUtilize systems to:Review and audit documentationMonitor complianceAnalyze performance dataCoach and retrain staff on workflows and documentation standardsUse EHR insights to identify gaps and drive improvementsClinical Quality Governance & QAPI LeadershipLead QAPI initiatives in partnership with ComplianceOversee:Quality trends and adverse eventsPatient safety and infection controlDocumentation and regulatory readinessDrive improvements through:Staff educationWorkflow enhancementsLead quality reviews and implement corrective actionsEnsure ongoing compliance with regulatory standardsReport quality outcomes to leadership and partnersJoint Venture Partnership ObligationsServe as clinical lead for joint venture partnershipsCollaborate with:Medical DirectorHealth system leadershipCase management teamsSupport care coordination, integration, and performance goalsEnsure alignment with partner standards and reporting requirementsRequired QualificationsActive Registered Nurse (RN) license in state(s) of operation; BSN required, MSN preferred.Minimum 5–7 years of hospice or home health leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a Director-level or senior management role overseeing a multidisciplinary team.Proven success managing teams of 20+ clinical staff and patient populations exceeding 100 active census.Demonstrated ability to use EMR systems and analytics tools to drive data-based performance improvement.Strong knowledge of hospice regulations, quality reporting, and compliance frameworks.Excellent communication, leadership, and conflict-resolution skills.Regular local travelReliable transportation, valid license, active insuranceAbility to lift 25–30 lbs and navigate patient environmentsBilingual preferredAbout Loma Linda University HospiceLoma Linda University Hospice is dedicated to a patient-first mission, ensuring compassionate, high-quality care that supports patients and families through every stage of need. Loma Linda University Hospice’s culture is defined by data-driven excellence, operational transparency, and a steadfast commitment to its core values of Dignity, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Partnership. Loma Linda University Hospice was created in 2026 though a joint venture between Loma Linda University Health and Kara Health.Loma Linda University Hospice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. All employment decisions are based on job requirements, individual merit, and business need.