Hospice Nurse, RN

Maintains current electronic documentation and downloads daily

(a) ensures complete documentation on an ongoing basis supporting Hospice guidelines & COPs. (b) assessment information to be entered in EMR and completed in 48 hours.

Ensures that the physician and/or Hospice Medical Director is involved ongoing with the patient's care: (a) reports to the physician/or Hospice Medical Director and other applicable personnel, reactions to treatments, including drugs, and change in the patient's physical or emotional condition and outcomes of intervention, and (b) consults with the attending physician and/or Hospice Medical Director concerning alterations of the plan of treatment and documents appropriate change of orders where necessary. Verifies that physician listed on order/plan of treatment will sign orders.

Provides regular supervision to the Licensed Practical Nurses and paraprofessionals who are providing services to the patient according to CMS/Hospice guidelines. Ensures task assigned to the LPN: (a) are within the Nurse Practice Act, (b) Supervises LPN on every patient at least every 30 days. Ensures that care is provided by the nursing assistant: (a) provides the certified nursing assistant with a telephonic plan of care and specific duties to be performed (b) supervises and evaluates the care given at least every 14 days, and (c) participates in periodic conferences with supervisor concerning the certified nursing assistant's performance.

Collaborates with supervisor to meet assigned productivity standard. Rotates weekday, weekend, and holiday "on-call" and "back-up call". During low hospice census: (a) covers visits in other offices as assigned by supervisor (b) makes home health visits, (c) visits referring hospice physicians for marketing, and (d) visits nursing homes and talks with administrators, (e) acts as a resource person for the community on the Hospice Program if needed, and (f) ensures referrals are evaluated timely with a NPU rate of less than 6%.

Maintains regular communication with supervisor

(a) communicates problems of the patient(s) on a timely basis following chain of command, (b) communicates information using current process and technology available to 3HC, (c) coordinates hospice care with Director of Clinical Practice/Assistant Clinical Director and the IDG team.

Ensures that 3HC can bill for services appropriately

(a) completes certifications and re-certifications within designated timeframes; (b) obtains verbal orders from Hospital, MD and attending within 48 hours of SOC; and (c) keeps up-to-date on reimbursement criteria and documentation requirements for all patients under his/her care and management, including preauthorization and re-authorizations for insurance.

Stays abreast of overall patient care and improves nursing care skills

(a) participates in office staff meetings, hospice's quality assessment and performance improvement program, the intra-disciplinary team in the development and implementation of the patient/family care plan, patient care conferences, record audits, utilization reviews, quality improvement activities, and in-services; (b) attends and participates in interdisciplinary team conferences at least 75% of the time; (c) attends agency mandatory in-services, hospice sponsored in-service training/continuing education seminars, IDG and satisfies CEU requirements of the State Board of Nursing; and (d) strives to improve nursing care through continuing education, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and readings.

Notify attending physicians, staff members and family members of patient deaths when they occur.

Collaborates with Procare Pharmacy regarding medication changes, administration, and recommendations. Share Procare recommendations with the attending MD.

Collaborates with supervisor to meet assigned productivity standard. The hospice nurse floater is not required to take on call hours.

Demonstrates an interest in personal and professional growth for self and staff

(a)attends and participates in workshops, seminars, webcasts to keep abreast of current changes in rules, regulations, relating to job functions and department; (b) does individual reading and research; and (c) recommends educational opportunities for staff and encourages participation.

Demonstrates a willingness to be cost effective in the use of agency resources, the monitoring of waste, and the proper and safe use of supplies and equipment.

Adheres to 3HC's Personnel Policy and performs other appropriate duties as assigned by supervisor to promote the successful operations and future growth of 3HC.

Requirements: Registered Nurse currently licensed to practice nursing in the state of North Carolina

Minimum of one-year experience as a professional nurse in an acute care setting

Evidence of leadership qualities

Previous experience working with terminally ill patients preferred

Ability to understand and communicate well with patients, family, staff, physicians, and the public

Maintain current CPR certification (BCLS)

Must be dependable and capable of dealing pleasantly and tactfully with patients, family, staff, providers, and the public

Must be competent to perform delegated tasks to facilitate positive patient outcomes as indicated in the patient's individualized a plan of care

Possess valid Driver's License and reliable transportation

3HC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national veteran or disability status.