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.