Registered Nurse for Hospice Services

Essential duties and responsibilites

Assumes primary responsibility for a Hospice Services patient/family caseload that includes the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process.

Initiates communication with attending physicians, other Hospice staff members and other Hospice agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient/family.

Assesses the patient initially no greater than 48 hours of admission order and collaborates with the other Interdisciplinary Group disciplines and others as needed toward the Comprehensive Assessment within 5 calendar days of the election of the patient for Hospice Care.

Maintains regular communication with the Patient Care Manager for Hospice Services to review caseload.

Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning Hospice Services patient/family caseload.

Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporates that data into the plan of care.

Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.

Collaborates with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals within two days of the start of the patient's care and as necessary throughout the provision of service to assure response to the patient/family's changing needs.

Provides Hospice Services nursing care based on systematic assessment focusing on pain control and symptom management.

Teaches, supervises and counsels Hospice Services patients/families regarding physical care and other problems related to the patient's terminal condition.

Provides guidance to Hospice Services patients/families to assist them in preparing for and coping with anticipated physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.

Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations pertaining to patient care management and services provided in accordance with Hospice Services policy and procedures on the day services are rendered. Submits documentation in a timely manner

Meets regularly with Hospice Services nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.

Participates in IDG conference and facilitates discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.

Supervises the Hospice Services Certified Nursing Assistant plan of care every fourteen (14) days and documents such supervision. If concerns are noted, observes the Certified Nursing Assistant onsite providing care. If concerns are ongoing, reports to the Director of Hospice Services the need to repeat a competency evaluation with Certified Nursing Assistant.

Informs the Director of Hospice Services of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.

Assumes role of associate nurse when responding to Hospice Services patients/families of other primary nurses during on-call time, or when requested by the Director of Hospice Services to fill patient/family needs during the absence of another Primary Care Nurse.

Shares in providing 24-hour, seven-day week coverage to Hospice Services patients/families.

Provides appropriate support at time of death and period of bereavement.

Participates in Hospice Services orientation and in-service training programs for staff.

Participates in Hospice Services and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.

Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the Hospice and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which govern the provision of hospice care.

Supports and implements Hospice Services policies regarding patient/family care.

Promotes the image and reputation of the System by exhibiting servant leadership and providing direct and open lines of communication.

Contributes to the work of committees, workgroups, project management, and other collaborative efforts of the System.

Performs other duties as necessary to ensure the success of the System.

Skills and abilities

Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings and to cope with emotional stress.

Must be able to function in a practice environment with minimal direct supervision, accepting personal responsibility for maintaining a professional relationship with patients and their families.

Must accept responsibility for maintaining clinical practice skills, learning and adhering to Hospice's policies and procedures on an on-going basis

Extensive knowledge of healthcare and long-term care organizations and their structure.

Ability to effectively communicate and present information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, department heads, administrators, member organization presidents and their leadership teams, and the general public.