Registered Nurse Hospice

St. Luke's Nursing Position

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

Renders professional nursing services to patient and families assigned, and demonstrates the ability to assess, to plan, to evaluate and to implement nursing care with attention to the special needs of the agency. Works in accordance with the Team's Plan of Care and written agency programs and policies.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Determines eligibility for admission; obtains financial and statistical data; formulates initial care plan according to the patient's condition.

Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team to assure appropriate care planning.

Communicates with the patient's physician and/or hospice Medical Director, both orally and in writing as required by the patient's condition and agency policy.

Cooperates with the Volunteer Coordinator and is available to hospice volunteers for counsel, advice and training when dealing with the patients and families.

Assumes general personal responsibility to keep informed of current changes and trends affecting Hospice care and professional nursing functions.

Participates in the bereavement program and supervises volunteers in providing bereavement care.

Carries primary responsibility for providing comprehensive nursing care, health teaching, guidance and supervision to the individual and family. Considers psychosocial, environmental, spiritual and financial needs.

Supervises patient care given by LPNs and/or HHAs.

Maintains and uses patient clinical records, reports and other written communications according to agency policy and directives. Documentation is timely, accurate and clearly outlines the goals and plans with emphasis on the family oriented approach to patient care. Records reflect contact with physicians and other agencies needed.

Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and evaluate appropriate bereavement plans of care for families/significant others.

Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.

Other Functions

Comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing theory and ability to apply it to the community health setting.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to patients, families, physicians and related persons.

Ability to instruct nonprofessionals in the care and treatment of the physically and emotionally ill.

Ability to prepare neat, timely, accurate and concise records and reports.

Ability to accept and to utilize supervision.

Ability to exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with people.

Knowledge of the use of community resources.

Interest in keeping abreast of trends and developments in nursing practice.

Knowledge of and ability to apply Hospice care principles.

Knowledge of principles of social service and counseling especially as they relate to death and dying.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

Physical Demands: Heavy Work

Exertional activity

Occasionally lift and/or carry 100 lbs

Frequently lift and/or carry 50 lbs

Stand and/or walk at least 6 hours in an 8-hour work day

Non-Exertional activity

Stooping (bending at the waist) and crouching (stooping and bending at the knees) – required frequently

Handling (grasping) – required frequently

Fingering (fine manipulation) – required only occasionally

Important: The functional capacity to perform heavy work includes the functional capacity to perform medium, light and sedentary work.

Good physical and mental health.

Visual and auditory acuity required to provide comprehensive nursing care.

Environmental Conditions:

Inside – Office environment and patient homes

Outside - Traveling to clinics and/or office errands in extreme cold and heat, wet and/or humid conditions, snow, ice and/or fog

Hazards - Exposure to contagious disease, road driving and domestic pets

Additional Requirements

1. Possession of a current professional nurse licensure to practice in PA.

2. Position requires the use of your own private vehicle for Network business. You must have a valid driver's license issued by the applicable state of residency, as well as evidence of auto liability insurance; which must have at least the state-minimum coverage limits. Insurance must be maintained at all times while being employed in this position.

Qualifications (Minimum)

Education: A graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing and possess a current active license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BSN preferred.

Training and Experience: Two years' experience as a professional nurse in nursing practice or previous community health and/or Hospice care as a professional nurse.

Work Schedule/Locations:

FULL-TIME- Day Shift, PART-TIME - Weekend Afterhours. Bethlehem, Monroe, Carbon/Schuylkill areas

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.