Hospice On-Call RN

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:
Primary functions are to administer nursing care for patients of all ages in their place of residence, coordinate care with the interdisciplinary group, patient, family and referring agency; and assume the responsibility for coordination of care.

Education:

Graduate of an accredited Diploma, Associate or Baccalaureate School of Nursing
Licensure:

Current license as a registered nurse (RN) and/or in accordance with the Board of Nurse Examiners rules for Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), current Drivers License.
Experience:

Two years experience as a Registered Nurse in a clinical care setting preferred, hospice preferred.
Skills: Nursing skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice. Good interpersonal skills. Specialized skills preferred in palliation and end-of-life. Proof of current CPR. Must read, write and comprehend English.

Essential Functions: 
- Initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the impact of the terminal disease on the patients physical, functional, psychosocial, and environmental needs as evidenced by documentation, clinical record, case conference, team report, evaluations, and ADLs, (i.e., risk for grief, cultural and spiritual, verbal and non-verbal).
- Apply specific criteria for admission and re-certification to hospice care to establish appropriate levels of care and the patient’s eligibility. 

- Implement/develop/document the plan of care to ensure quality and continuity of care and recommend revisions to the plan as necessary.
- Consult with and educate the patient and family regarding disease process, self-care techniques, end-of-life care, nutrition and dietary needs. Prioritize any needs with the members of the IDG.  Provide training to other staff as needed.
- Determine scope and frequency of services needed based on acuity and patient/family needs. Assess the ability of the care giver to meet the patient’s immediate needs upon admission and throughout care.
- Initiate appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
- Applies concepts of infection control and standard precautions in coordinating and performing patient care activities to prevent contamination and transmission of disease.

- Provide clinical directions to the Hospice Aide and LPN/LVN to ensure quality and continuity of service provided.
- Prepare clinical and progress notes that demonstrate progress toward established goals. Ensure continuity of quality patient care delivered with appropriate documentation.
- Inform physician and other personnel of changes in the patient’s needs and outcomes of intervention, while evaluating patient and family response to care.
- Monitor assigned cases to ensure compliance with requirements of third party payor.
- Demonstrate commitment, professional growth and competency.
- Promote Agency philosophy and administrative policies.
- Perform on-call responsibilities and provide on-call service to patients and families as assigned.
- Provide effective communication to patient, family, team members, and other health care professionals.