POSITION TITLE: REPORTS TO:

Resource Registered Nurse

Executive Director/Director of Nursing

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for providing hospice services consistent with the mission, vision and goals of the company. The RN is responsible for providing skilled nursing services for terminally ill patients utilizing an individualized palliative plan of care developed by the interdisciplinary team, patient's physician and his/her family. The RN utilizes specialized nursing skills related to palliative and end-of-life care when providing skilled nursing services necessary to adhere to the plan of care. They include, but are not limited to, patient assessment, evaluation and coordination of the medical nursing needs of the patient, the performance of prescribed medical treatment for pain and

symptom control; the provision of emotional support to both the patient and his/her family; and the instruction of caregivers in providing care to the patient. The RN shall provide for the continuity of services for the patient and his/her family. The RN is a core member of the hospice interdisciplinary team. The Resource Registered nurse may provide education, training, and mentoring to other members of the hospice team as well as providing feedback on corrections needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Apply specific criteria for admission and re-certification to establish patient's eligibility and appropriate levels of care.

·        Acknowledge patient rights including privacy and confidentiality as well as the emergency preparedness plan per hospice policy.

·        Assess the impact of the terminal diagnosis on patient's physical, functional, environmental, safety, ADL, and psycho-social needs, including risk for pathological grief.

·        Assess all aspects of the patient's pain and develop an individualized pain management plan. Identify patient verbal and non-verbal communications patterns.

·        Assess the ability of the caregiver to meet the patient's immediate needs at start of care and throughout care.

·        Develop an individualized palliative plan of care based on the needs identified which demonstrates management of discomfort and provision of symptom relief.

·        Determine the scope and frequency of services based on acuity of the patient and family needs. Implement the care plan utilizing appropriate preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Anticipate, prevent, as possible, and treat undesirable symptoms or secondary symptoms.

·        Consult and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and others involved in the patient's care.

·        Coordinate all patient/ family services and participate in prioritizing needs of members of the interdisciplinary team. Use the case management approach, referring to other services as needed.

·        Inform the physician and other appropriate interdisciplinary team members of changes in the patient condition.

·        Support, consult, and educate the patient, family and caregiver regarding the disease process, self-care techniques, end-of-life cares and managing ethical concerns.

·        Document nursing assessments, care plans with problems, appropriate goals and interventions identified, cares provided, and patient/ family outcomes demonstrating progress toward established goals.

·        Document and communicate information using current process and technology available to company.

·        Maintain the dignity of the dying patient.

·        Attend Interdisciplinary Group meetings and participate in care plan revision / update.

·        Work in a team approach with members of the interdisciplinary team to evaluate on-going patient/ family responses to and satisfaction with care.

·        Support the patient's and family's unique spiritual and cultural beliefs.

·        Provide holistic, family-centered care across treatment settings to improve quality of life.

·        Perform duties consistent with the Nursing Practice Act including the Standards of Competent Performance.

·        Demonstrate the ability to correctly use and direct the use of medical supplies and equipment.

·        Provide specialized hospice training and education to other hospice staff, the patient's family, and informal caregivers to ensure adequate care. Examples of education include the following but not limited to: Admissions, nursing visits, timesheets, and orientation of new employees etc.

·        Supervise LVNs and paraprofessionals (Home Health Aides) providing services to the patient as required by law and licensure. Supervision is documented on the Nursing Visit Note.

·        May Participate in the On-Call rotation as requested by the Director of Nursing.

·        Participate in orientation, in-service education, and performance improvement by completing chart audits.

·        Prepare and submit, as directed, all case documentation and required payroll information according to company policy.

·        Provide services within the company's catchment area.

·        Prepare re-certification and discharge paperwork as appropriate and submits timely.

·        Evaluate own needs for support and communicates concerns to manager. Consistently display a professional appearance and conduct in all settings.

·        Interact with internal and external customers using positive and professional approach.

·        Assume responsibility and display reliability for the completion of all tasks, duties, communications, and actions. Support the mission, vision and goals of the company.

·        Maintain professional growth and development. Participate in performance improvement activities. Abide by company policies and procedures.

·        Accept other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Must have visual and hearing acuity. Must be able to communicate clearly verbally. Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. May be exposed to minor hazards/communicable diseases. Physically active walking, standing, climbing stairs. Must be able to perform fully assisted transfers, with or without transfer devices. Must not have any back-lifting restrictions/moving restrictions. Must provide proof of automobile insurance upon hire and at each renewal and maintain a safe driving record.