Registered Nurse On-Call for Hospice Services

Essential duties and responsibilites

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

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

Not required to remain on employer’s premises but are required to remain accessible by phone at their residences or by cell where they may be reached.

Permitted to go about daily activities and responds to all Hospice Services patient/family calls within 30 minutes of receipt of notification.

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 for Hospice Services.

Providing on-call coverage on assigned days during non-business hours to Hospice Services patients/families.

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

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 update the comprehensive plan of care as needed.

Provides Hospice 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 and delegates tasks and resources as needed

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 policy and procedures on the day services are rendered. Submits documentation in a timely manner

Provides verbal report of on-call after hours occurrences to patient’s Primary Case Manager for Hospice Services for ongoing needs assessment and follow up.

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

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 and determined by the supervisor to ensure the success of the hospice location.

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 public.