Hospice Care Registered Nurse, (Night Runner)

Job Title

Performs an age specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills/clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Job Responsibilities

Conducts pre-admission screening and initial nursing health assessment on new patients; assess body systems (cardiac, vascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal, etc.); develops nursing plan of care and goals based on patients needs.

Provides nursing care to patients to include but not limited to supervising diet, medication, activity level of client, supervising safety in the home and activities of daily living.

Evaluates the provision of nursing care to patients including but not limited to Evaluation of physical, therapy, occupational therapy, speech, therapy, nutrition counseling and respiratory therapy, Contracting agency nurses.

Trains and evaluates home health aides, homemakers and personal care workers in the patient's home, recommending personnel changes to the administration of Hospice as is necessary.

Determines the need for, and recommends the rental or purchase of medical equipment and/or supplies for patients.

Provides on-going evaluation of equipment for defects, repairs or additional needs.

Recommends to the Hospice IDG (Interdisciplinary Group) when physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counseling and respiratory therapy are warranted, as per his/her clinical assessment; requests physician written orders for changes in the plan of care as is appropriate; reports to and consults regarding patient status; participates in on-going orientation and in-service training offered both within and outside the Hospice.

Participates in on-call coverage system on a rotating basis; serves as a liaison in maintaining the Hospice patients Plan of Care while inpatient; refers major or recurrent problems to the Hospice supervising nurse.

Participates in the on-going Quality Improvement Program.

Physical Demands are constant standing and walking; frequent stooping, bending, stretching, lifting, pulling, pushing, and turning; lifting of objects from 10 lbs. to 150 lbs. and pushes objects up to 200 lbs.; occasional sitting; lifting with assistance objects greater than 150 lbs.

Performs related duties as required. All responsibilities noted here are considered essential functions of the job under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Duties not mentioned here, but considered related are not essential functions.

Job Qualifications

Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing. Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, preferred. Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two (2) years and obtain a BSN Degree within five (5) years of job entry date.

Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.

2 + years of nursing experience: med/surge, hospice, home care preferred.

Minimum one year of experience in acute care med/surg strongly preferred.

Experience in community health, hospice, and home care preferred.

This is a Field position.