HOSPICE NURSE - HOSPICE

Status: PRN - As Needed

Shift: Monday thru Friday 0800-1630; Rotating call


Exempt: No


Summary:

The Registered Nurse at North Oaks Medical Center is primarily responsible for his/her patients. They shall possess the qualities most exemplary of the nursing profession. These qualities include compassion, empathy, accountability, honesty, together with the knowledge and skills they have learned within their nursing education. The Hospice Registered Nurse shall adhere to the Standards of Practice of NOMC. He/She will provide comprehensive nursing care to hospice patients and coordinate the implementation of the plan of care (POC). Apply knowledge of growth and development when assisting patients and caregivers of all ages in dealing with issues related to death and dying. Is proficient in the care and use of all equipment which he/she has the authority and responsibility to use.The Hospice registered nurse is a member of the health care team and is responsible for providing quality nursing care utilizing NOMC standards of care. Will uphold the philosophy and objectives of Patient Services. Is a resource person for other members of the health care team. Responsible for oversight of the patient's plan of care, teaching the caregiver and assessing all aspects of the patient's care. Will utilize effective communication between personnel, physicians, other hospital departments, other healthcare entities, patients and families.

Other information:

Education:
Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:
Current LA RN license is required.
Membership in a professional organization is encouraged.


Experience/Skills:
Must have minimum of 2 years full time experience as full time licensed RN.

2 years of full-time clinical experience in hospice care as an LPN may be substituted for the required two years of experience as an RN

Physical Demands:
Strength:Medium
Push:Occasionally
Pull:Occasionally
Lift: Occasionally
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently

Responsibilities:

1. Insure the maintenance of quality patient care
A. Utilize nursing process (assess, plan, implement and evaluate) for each patient on an individual basis. Conduct a complete assessment of the Hospice patient on each nursing visit. Evaluate pain / symptom control and need for further intervention. Refill medications as appropriate. Evaluate the patient, family and home situation to determine that emotional, spiritual, and volunteer needs are being met. Evaluate the patient's condition and home situation to determine if the services of a Nursing Assistant is required and to determine which services and frequency are necessary to meet the patient's needs.
B. Assist with QA / PI program as requested.
C. Document patient response to medication and procedure, using vital sign record, nurses' notes, and any other form as appropriate.
D. Provide fall safety / precaution instructions to patient / caregiver as appropriate.
E. Perform inhalation therapy as ordered by the physician and/or teaching the patient / caregiver to administer inhalation treatments and care for equipment. Provide oxygen / fire safety assessment and instructions to patient / family.
F. Instruct patients or caregivers to administer injections as ordered by the physician.
G. Instruct the patient or caregiver in all aspects of disease process, and signs and symptoms to be reported. Instruct on medications, including expected actions, side effects, and correct dose, time, and recording of medicines given. Instruct on safe storage and use of narcotics and controlled drugs.
H. Assess pain and symptoms and managing them appropriately. Instruct on effective use of analgesics and recognition of non-verbal signs of pain.
I. Assess disease progression and reporting significant data to MD to ensure optimal symptom control.
J. Instruct caregivers on signs / symptoms of impending death and protocol to follow when death occurs in the home.
K. Instruct caregivers on all aspects of care of the terminally ill patient at home.
L. Review the total medication regime of each patient assigned to his/her care a minimum of one time every 2 weeks. Record current medications, medication compliance, and any untoward effects noted. Maintain a current medication profile on each patient assigned to his/her care. Assist patient / family to obtain refills on prescription as needed to assure there is an adequate supply of medication in the home. Coordinate approvals of drugs furnished by Hospice. Assist with disposal of controlled drugs furnished by Hospice according to Hospice policy.
M. The patient's primary nurse will function as the RN Case Manager for each patient. The primary functions are to administer skill nursing care for clients of all ages, in their place of residence; coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team, patient/family and referring agency; and assume the responsibility for coordination of care

2. Adhere to policies and procedures
A. Responsible for adherence to hospital policies and procedures for self and personal under his/her supervision.
B. Adhere to acceptable dress code.
C. Report incidents and injuries.
D. Report medication errors.
E. Demonstrate professional manner.
F. Comply with attendance policy.
G. Knowledgeable of all hospital safety codes, and perform duties during drills and actual emergencies.
H. Report unsafe conditions and incidents.
I. Must have and maintain a car to be used for work, automobile liability insurance according to state requirements, and a current driver's license. Must wear a seat belt at all times while driving.
J. Maintain patient rights and confidentiality of all patient information.

3. Assist in operational functions
A. Assist department manager in maintenance of policies and procedures.
B. Schedule assignments of personnel as applicable.
C. Assist department director in data collection.
D. Monitors equipment function.
E. Responsible for the supervision and training of other nursing service personnel. Responsible for the care given by the Nursing Assistant to patients who are assigned to his/her service area by supervising and evaluating the care given by the Nursing Assistant as needed and at a minimum of every 2 weeks and once every 28 days with the Nursing Assistant present. Responsible for the completion of and updating the Nursing Assistant Assignment Sheet as appropriate.
F. Participate with other staff and contract nurses in taking hospice calls, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays, on a rotating basis as scheduled to provide 24-hour, 7-day a week coverage.
G. Maintain a current schedule of daily visits. Schedule to include patient's name, frequency of visits, dates visits are to be made, recertification date, and special comments, such as if patient is receiving nursing assistant services.

4. Maintain satisfactory communication
A. Promote satisfactory relationships.
B. Share knowledge with others.
C. Attend Interdisciplinary Team meetings and coordinating patient's plan of care with the health care team.
D. Perform screening assessment of psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and making referrals to MSW or Chaplain as needed.
E. Assist in preparing medical updates and recertification forms as needed.
F. Insure that the department switchboard operator knows whereabouts at all times by informing her of any changes in cellular phone numbers and by signing in/out on log. Inform hospital switchboard operator of any changes in on-call status.

5. Participate in professional development activities
A. Attend committee meetings as designated.
B. Attend in-service programs.
C. Maintain certification in Basic Life Support.
D. Maintains knowledge of computerized systems within the healthcare system as needed for job performance.

6. Perform other duties as requested

7. Follows North Oaks Health System's Compliance Program and Federal and State Regulatory guidelines for Hospice care.

8. Adheres to the Nurse Practice Act and the Rules and Regulations of the LA State Board of Nursing.