RN Hospice Care

JOB SUMMARY

The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for direct patient care, identifying patient/family/caregiver needs, providing skilled nursing assessment, planning, supportive care and appropriate services in accordance with the attending provider’s orders and the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) plan of care. The RN directs and guides activities of ancillary personnel, and actively participates in the IDT.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS

• Assumes primary responsibility for patient/family care that includes assessing, planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Performs comprehensive assessment of assigned patients in a timely manner, per Hospice guidelines.
• Obtains information on physical, psychological social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family/caregiver health status and incorporate that information into the plan of care.
• Assures that patient and family are involved in the development of the plan of care whenever possible.
• Instructs patients/families/caregivers regarding medications, treatments and procedures, disease processes, self-care techniques, end of life care, and process for dealing with issues of ethical concern.
• Attends IDT meetings as appropriate and facilitates discussion of patient care issues from caseload for team discussion, consultation and evaluation.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending provider concerning patient/family/caregiver care needs and response to interventions. Reports changes in the patient’s condition to the Medical Director or attending provider and takes follow up action as necessary.
• Meets regularly with hospice nursing staff to review opportunities or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.
• Maintains up to date patient records using the hospice electronic health record (EHR) to ensure issues, plans, interventions and goals are accurately and clearly stated. Documentation is completed within established guidelines and meet regulatory requirements.
• Supervises and documents observance of the Hospice Aide delivery of care.
• Informs the Hospice Manager of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family/caregiver issues.
• Shares weekend on-call rotation, providing after hours coverage to patients/families/caregiver as necessary.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death and performs bereavement assessment as needed.
• Participates in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.
• Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of State and Federal bodies which aid in determining policies.
• Participates as requested in the development of protocols and standards for hospice practice.
• Participates in the education and marketing of hospice services for referral sources and the community as requested.
• Act as resource for staff members and orients new staff as needed.
• Act as the Hospice’s RN representative in the community and helps to develop referral sources.
• Participate in individual, team, and departmental quality improvement activities and organizational process improvement efforts.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

The Hospice Registered Nurse (RN) must demonstrate the following:

• Must demonstrate a commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
• Must be knowledgeable of Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation.
• Must have experience in providing services to terminally ill patients.
• Must demonstrate excellent observation, nursing judgment and communication skills.
• Must possess the ability to provide documentation in a timely manner per department standards.
• Must be self-directed with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be available to work weekday nights and weekends.
• Must be able to relate professionally and positively to corporate staff and work cooperatively with other associates at all levels.
• Position requires a good working knowledge of Hospice as well as good communication, organizational and managerial skills. A sound clinical knowledge base is required.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• BSN preferred.

Training and Experience

• One (1) year recent Hospice or Home Health experience preferred.
• Minimum three (3) years general nursing experience required.
• Experience with providing pain management preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Washington State DOH RN License required.
• Current BLS HCP required.
• Maintain a valid WA State Driver’s License, personal insurance, and is insurable with the District’s insurance carrier.
• Must complete the required disclosure statement and pass a criminal history background check upon hire and every two (2) years thereafter.

Health & Well-Being You Can Count On

We offer a thoughtful, comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family at every stage of life:

• Medical Coverage – HDHP w/HSA / PPO
• Prescription Drug Coverage
• Dental Options – PPO / Managed-Care Plan
• Vision Benefits – VSP
• Life & AD&D Insurance – Employer paid coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage – Employer paid income Protection
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – If enrolled in HDHP
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Dependent & Healthcare
• Employee & Provider Assistance Programs – Free, confidential support
• Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance – Additional employee paid buy up option
• Voluntary Long-Term Disability Coverage – Additional employee paid buy up option