Homecare and Hospice Registered Nurse

ABOUT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

At Sheridan Memorial Hospital, we are proud to have achieved the 5-Star Quality Rating, ranking us in the top 13.6% of hospitals rated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We believe that our ability to deliver excellent healthcare begins with our people, and we are proud of our more than 750 skilled, experienced, and caring employees. We have over 100 providers who specialize in 25 areas of expertise. Our facility is state-of-the-art, and we are dedicated to providing outstanding patient-centered care.
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Nestled at the foothills of the Big Horn Mountains in northern Wyoming, spectacular scenery and outdoor activities abound. Our hospital has the latest technology and equipment comparative to that of many larger facilities, and you will find our staff is friendly, compassionate, caring, and courteous. We focus on creating and nurturing a workplace that encourages, recognizes, and rewards individual effort and creativity. Leadership is responsive to changing modes of healthcare delivery and adapts accordingly. We value effective communication and honesty and believe teamwork based on mutual respect is key to success.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for planning, coordinating, providing and documenting care for an assigned caseload of patients which may include nursing care to the terminally ill Hospice patient as needed. Provides assistance and understanding to the family in the home care situation, and in time of bereavement. Works as a member of the Hospice team in providing Hospice care. Utilizing physicians' orders and professional skills, the Home Care/Hospice RN develops and implements Home Care/Hospice plan that meets each patient's specific needs and is in compliance with JCAHO, federal and state regulations, reimbursement guidelines as well as agency policies and procedures. Participates in performance improvement and quality assurance activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops a written plan of care for each patient.
• Provides skilled nursing care.
• Assesses patient's condition, initiates plan of care, re-evaluates and updates as necessary.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Treats appropriately. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Assists in developing pain and symptom management plans. Reassesses the plan to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Reassess pain and notifies the primary care physician when pain is not manageable on the current medications.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in continuous quality improvement and performance improvement activities.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Completes assignment accurately and on time.
• Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with the physician as the patient's needs dictate.
• Participates in case conferences to discuss multidisciplinary team responsibilities, patient progress, plans for continued care, new problems, etc.
• Responds to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Offers ongoing support and palliative care as appropriate.
• Plans patient discharge from the agency. Recommends referrals for alternative level of care if necessary.
• Recommends to Case Manager needed referrals to other disciplines and/or community resources.
• Demonstrates ability to chart according to professional and department standard.
• Obtains needed supplies and equipment to provide care.
• Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient's age and clinical condition.
• Plans with the physician to implement changes to improve patient care.
• Works as part of the interdisciplinary team.
• Reports changes in patient's physical and emotional health to the physician.
• Assumes role of patient advocate.
• Maintains triage list of SN clients to be seen in the event of a winter storm or event that prevents providing nursing service to all scheduled patients.
• Demonstrates adherence to infection control policies. Uses PPE.
• Communicates patient's data and observations verbally and through documentation.
• All documentation, charting and agency forms are completed in the designated time.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of patient and patient's clinical status.
• Follows the five medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Addresses and supports cultural practices as long as these practices do not harm the patient/family or interfere with the planned course of medical treatment.
• Adheres to all agency, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels the patient and family members regarding nursing care needs.
• Follows up with obtaining lab results and notifies the physician of any significant changes.
• Regularly assesses and reassesses the nursing needs of the Hospice patient.
• Provides dietary counseling.
• Provides Hospice nursing services, treatments and preventive procedures.
• Initiates nursing procedures appropriate for the patient's Hospice care and safety.
• Observes signs and symptoms and reports to the physician and IDG members any unexpected changes in the patient's physical or emotional condition.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels the Hospice patient and family members about providing care for the patient.
• Supervises and trains other nursing service personnel.
• Develops and re-evaluates the patient/family care plan in conjunction with IDG to meet needs and maintain continuity of care.
• Performs specific nursing procedures as needed (e.g., treatments, management of symptoms) following doctor's orders.
• Attends team conferences.
• Maintains records as required by Hospice.
• Follows the policies and procedures of Hospice. Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient-related information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Always communicates to the supervisor if unable to meet a patient's need or perform a procedure.
• Participates in on-call system and is responsible for providing on-call coverage when unavailable for assigned duties.
• Maintain skills and knowledge.
• Works with interdisciplinary group concept of patient care.
• Coordinates the implementation of the plan of care for patients residing in SNF, NF, ICF or MR.
• Organizes work schedule and utilizes time management to be able to attend all required meetings.
• Complies with agency infection control policies and protocols.
• Assist with orientation, teaching and training as requested.
• Knowledgeable of current federal, state, JCAHO and organization regulations concerning patient care.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible organized and functions well under stressful situations.
• Initiates needed referrals to other disciplines and/or community resources.
• Supervises Home Care/Hospice Aides on an every other week basis.
• Attends routine and initiates extra case conferences to discuss multidisciplinary team responsibilities, patient progress, pain management, bereavement counseling, new problems, etc.
• Demonstrates knowledge of OSHA regulations. Complies with Blood borne Pathogen, TB exposure plans and hazardous waste management program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education / Experience / License and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited NLN program preferred.
• Registered Nurse licensed in the state of Wyoming without restrictions.
• Certification in specialty areas, i.e., Home Care, Hospice, Geriatrics, Wound Care, Pain Control, etc., preferred.
• Current BLS, required.
• Experience as an RN commensurate with one of the following:
  
  
  • Two or more years acute care experience within the last two years preferred.
  • One year Home Care or Hospice experience within the last two years preferred.
  • One year community health or public health experience within the last two years preferred.
• Valid state driver's license and reliable automobile, current automobile insurance and be willing to operate personal car necessitated by nature of job.
• Criminal and Central Registry Background Checks, required.

Specific demands not listed: Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products.


Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.


Sheridan Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.