The Hospice Nurse Compass: A Practical Guide to Compassionate Case Management

The Hospice Nurse Compass: A Practical Guide to Compassionate Case Management is the essential, bedside-ready handbook for nurses entering one of the most meaningful and complex specialties in healthcare.Originally published by Joshua Simpson, BSN, RN, CHPN, this guide was developed to provide clear, practical direction for hospice nurses navigating real-world clinical care, documentation, and case management.Whether you are a new graduate, transitioning from hospital nursing, or stepping into case management for the first time, this guide removes the guesswork from hospice work. Written with clarity, warmth, and deep clinical experience, it bridges the gap between orientation and real-world practice—so you can feel confident, prepared, and supported.Inside this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to:Understand the hospice philosophy and Medicare hospice benefitMaster symptom management for pain, dyspnea, agitation, anxiety, and secretionsRecognize disease trajectories and eligibility markers with clarityDocument defensibly and in alignment with Medicare Conditions of ParticipationWrite strong IDG updates, recertification notes, and decline documentationSupport caregivers emotionally and practically during end-of-life changesNavigate difficult conversations with confidence and compassionManage crises, after-hours calls, and urgent symptom escalationWork effectively with facility partners, providers, and triage teamsPrevent burnout, set boundaries, and build long-term resilienceWhat’s inside:Full chapters on eligibility, documentation, IDG, F2F requirements, and hospice regulationsDisease-specific care guidance (COPD, CHF, cancer, dementia)Case management strategies and weekly workflow toolsNew nurse orientation checklists and practical scriptsAdmission, PRN, and crisis visit examplesCommon caregiver questions with comforting, clear responsesAppendices packed with ready-to-use templates and cheat sheetsThis book is for:New hospice RNs or LPNs learning case managementHospital, ICU, med-surg, home health, or ER nurses transitioning into hospiceNursing schools and hospice orientation programsAnyone who wants a clear, supportive roadmap to high-quality hospice careAbout the AuthorJoshua Simpson, BSN, RN, CHPN, is a hospice clinical leader, educator, and compliance specialist with extensive expertise in case management, symptom management, documentation, regulatory auditing, and operational oversight. He has trained and supported hospice clinicians across the country and is committed to elevating hospice practice through clarity, compassion, and strong clinical foundations.Hospice nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling.This book helps you grow into it. Read more