Overview:

GENERAL PURPOSE: Manages overall care of assigned hospice patients by coordinating and providing nursing assessment, planning and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families in accordance with the interdisciplinary plan of care. Supports the Community Relations activities of the organization.

Responsibilities:

COMMUNICATIONS Initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for assigned patients/families. Maintains regular communication with the Director of Clinical Services or Patient Care Coordinator and physician to review patient care.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT Receives patient assignments from the Director of Clinical Services or Patient Care Coordinator. Assumes overall responsibility for assigned patients/families, including assessing, planning, implementing, reevaluating, and revising care as necessary. 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.

PATIENT RECORDS 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. Initiates and sustains, as needed, the implementation of orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care.

COORDINATING PATIENT CARE Accepts responsibility for managing overall care of the patient BYproviding direct patient care, and by coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers as appropriate.

PATIENT/CAREGIVER INSTRUCTIONS Instructs the patient and caregiver how to administer medication and recognize side effects; how to perform
Personal care and oral hygiene; how to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation, and exercise; how to prepare for the events preceding death; proper diet; and other instructions as ordered by physician.

FAMILY AND PATIENT SUPPORT Informs the Director of Clinical Services or Patient Care Coordinator of unusual or potentially problematic patient/ family issues. Provides appropriate support at time of death. Shares in providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage to patients and families.

HOME HEALTH AIDE Makes home health aide assignments, prepares written instructions for the aide, and supervises the aide in the home.

POLICY AND PROCEDURE Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the hospice and state and federal regulations pertaining to nursing services.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND Must adhere to Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy
BUSINESS ETHICS including the documentation and reporting responsibilities.

CONTINUING EDUCATION Participate in orientation and ongoing educational programs and training.

OTHER Participates on committees and special projects and other duties as assigned.

CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: Hospice personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, hospice personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job-related skills and abilities. All personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.


PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AIDE OF MECHANICAL DEVICES): Mobility, reaching, bending, lifting, talking, fingering, sitting, carrying, standing, grasping, fine hand coordination, ability to hear, ability to read and write, ability to see up close, and ability to remain calm under stress.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Registered Nurse currently licensed in the state.

• Must have a minimum of one year general nursing experience with current medical, surgical, or critical care experience. Experience with providing pain management and IV skills preferred.

• Must demonstrate a commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.

• Must be knowledgeable of Medicare hospice certification.

• Experience in providing services to terminally ill patients preferred.

• Must be a licensed driver with a reliable automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements.

• Must demonstrate excellent observation, nursing judgment, and communication skills.

• Must possess the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner.

• Must be self-directed with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.

• Must be able to relate professionally and positively to corporate staff and to work cooperatively with other employees at all levels.

• Must meet all local health regulations, pass post-offer drug test, and pass post-employment physical exam, if required.

• Must be capable of performing the essential job functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.