Registered Nurse - Hospice

Job Description

0.8 FTE

Demonstrates knowledge of the nursing process as a standard, incorporating elements of holistic person-centered care through the collection, verification and organization of data about a patient's health status, planning for care, implementation of the plan and evaluation. Provides direct patient care in the home, general inpatient setting or setting where the patient refers to as home. The RN is under the direction of the Director or designee. The RN performs detailed and accurate patient assessments utilizing a comprehensive assessment. Completes documentation in a timely and accurate manner according to hospice policy and regulatory requirements. Facilitates patient hand-offs and provides assistance to move the patient through life transitions. Understands the principles of case management to ensure effective coordination of care and utilization of community resources. Effectively manages a group of hospice patients. Works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team (IDT) physicians, families and the community emphasizing a teamwork environment. Ability to implement quality care standards for patients served. Coordinates provision of patient care for assigned patients, maintains competency levels annually and attends continuing education as applicable. Delegates appropriate tasks as needed. Works with the Director and/or clinical coordinator/or manager to assure patient visits are being provided as outlined in the plan of care.

COMMUNICATION : Demonstrates good communication skills to facilitate implementation of quality core measures, attends meetings and weekly IDT case conferences. Maintains open communication with the interdisciplinary team. Maintains open communication with the Director and/or clinical coordinator in relation to case management responsibilities or patient concerns. Utilizes appropriate chain of command to collaboratively and proactively problem solve as needed. Diffuses patient/family complaints prior to involving the Director or clinical coordinator/or manager. Attends education when offered related to competencies or changes in processes. Communicates to staff the need for compliance with CMS and other regulatory bodies to assure the provision of safe, quality care.

ADAPTABILITY : Has a "can do" attitude, keeps the department running smoothly, promotes team-work, and a no-blaming environment while setting the tone for the department by being a good role model. Maintains a positive attitude and flexibility regarding fluctuating patient census and staffing needs. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and actively completes assignments, documentation per agency policy. Able to prioritize and multi-task when the department gets busy. Keeps calm during stressful times.

Responsibilities

SPECIFIC DUTIES : Conducts hospice consultations, admissions, comprehensive assessment visits (CAV), routine skilled nursing visits, supervisory visits and end of life visits per regulatory guidelines. Serves as a team resource and assists staff members as available with difficult patient situations. Proficient competency level to perform blood draws, PICC line care, CADD pump management, pain management, symptom management and wound care as ordered or required. Understands the principles of patient education. Regularly attends staff meetings, IDT case conferences and educational programs as applicable or mandated. Effectively manages time and resources responsibility. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care to hospice patients. Ability to take call and work weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule. Provides comprehensive case management to a group of assigned patients. Effectively works with the clinical coordinator/or manager.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE : At least 2 years of Acute Care, Hospice nursing, or other relevant nursing experience required. Sufficient knowledge of hospice philosophy, critical thinking skills, and experience to demonstrate ability to work autonomously. Must demonstrate knowledge about CMS, and other regulatory bodies pertaining to the department. Leadership knowledge and ability to direct staff, assess their competency levels, and delegate appropriate tasks, as required by the Board of Nursing "Rules for Delegation".

EDUCATION : Graduate of accredited professional school of nursing.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY : Current Montana License as a Registered Nurse, BLS. Additional certifications as required.