Resource Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) - Hospice

Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited school of professional (registered) nursing. BSN preferred. Maintains license as a Registered Nurse from the State of Michigan. At least one year of general nursing experience is required with current hospice, medical, surgical, or critical care experience. Maintains current BLS certification. Experience with issues concerning the terminally ill, and death/dying, and pain and symptom management. Has presented a negative TB skin test and/or chest X-ray and other tests as required by Centrica Care navigators. Maintains a valid Michigan drivers license and has the availability of a reliable, licensed and insured vehicle for use on the job, vehicle must be insured in accordance with the State of Michigan. Remains up-to-date on all routine immunizations required by LARA and agency policy.

Summary of Job Responsibilities: The Resource RN provides skilled professional nursing care, in person or telephonically, to the patient/family/caregiver in compliance with regulations established by the Michigan Board of Nursing and the policies of Centrica Care Navigators. Resource RNs are assigned a location to work based on prioritized staffing needs and when unplanned needs arise.

Responsibilities and Duties: Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the Hospice setting where patient/family/caregiver requires care. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process. Conducts on call/emergent nursing assessments and scheduled visits to assure the highest level of physical and emotional comfort for the patient. Performs symptom management based on verbal assessment to ensure the highest level of physical and emotional comfort for the patient. When appropriate, offers and completes a home visit. Assesses and evaluates patients status by: Writing and initiating a plan of care Initiating orders for mediations and durable medical equipment, as prescribed by the attending physician or designee Applying preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques as appropriate for the patient Revising the plan of care as necessary Communicates with Provider and members of the interdisciplinary group regarding ongoing patient needs and changes to the plan of care. Documents all communications and services in an accurate and timely manner in the electronic medical record. Arranges for DME/supply delivery, medication refills, and the ordering of tests as prescribed by the provider. Processes workflow for electronic medical record as needed. Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patients efforts toward self-sufficiency and optimal comfort. Increases patient/caregiver confidence by providing education and psychosocial support. Individualizes the patient/caregivers self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other education as ordered by the attending physician or designee and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients/families/caregivers. Works together with the other members of the Interdisciplinary Group. In partnership with family/caregiver and colleagues, maintains a safe environment for the patient. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and the Interdisciplinary Group members to provide continuity of care and meet the emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver. Performs within the limits of preparation and experience. Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure, only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical background, and expertise in the specialty area. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes. Stays informed about changes in the field of Hospice care; shares information with appropriate Hospice personnel and administrative personnel. Facilitates positive community relations by providing excellent customer service; maintains a good standing in the community. Completes additional tasks as assigned such as chart audits, workflow, infection control logs, etc. Duties Actively participates in organization-wide performance improvement activities. Adheres to Centrica Care Navigators standards of personal and professional conduct. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the Hospice philosophy of care, agency mission, and vision. Ensures that all necessary information is shared with appropriate personnel. Adheres to Centrica Care Navigators Workplace Safety Program. Understands and complies with Hospice Medicare and Medicaid conditions of participation. Complies with applicable local, federal and state regulations, Quality Partners standards, compliance guidelines, privacy protections and protected health information.

Types of Equipment Used: A wide variety of medical/clinical equipment, tools, supplies and computers.

Specialized Skills: Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills critical thinking skills, and nursing skills. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values. Good internal and external organizational sensitivity. Strong clinical skills with emphasis on physical assessment, symptom management and therapeutic communication. Proper phone etiquette and customer service is emphasized in interactions with all internal and external customers. Able to make sound clinical judgments and act upon them in a timely manner.

Working Conditions: General office, multi-office sites, and floors. In and out of automobile. Community, adult day facility, and home environment, including adult foster care homes, assisted living, nursing homes, or other residence of the patient. Exposure to infectious disease. Frequent telephone activity.

Physical Requirements: A typical workday includes intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and occasionally carrying 0 - 50 pounds (1 to 33% of time), pushing, pulling, and repetitive hand motions associated with writing and computer keyboard typing.

Continuing Education Requirements: Hospice personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, Centrica personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job-related skills and abilities. All personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.