RN - ASN or BSN (Hospice)

Hospice Registered Nurse

The Hospice Registered Nurse plans and delivers care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, interventions, implementation and evaluation; and effectively interacts with patients, significant others, and interdisciplinary team members while maintaining standards of professional nursing and clinical competency. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital system.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assess home care needs, being aware of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects.
• Documents initial assessment, delivery of patient care, and other pertinent information in patient's medical record; monitors documentation of other personnel.
• Provide direct care to patients as prescribed in the interdisciplinary Plan of Care in order to maintain the highest level of comfort and quality of life and assuming primary responsibility for case management of the patient.
• Evaluate and perform ongoing assessment and revise initial written plan of care with IDT every 14 days and as the needs and condition of the patient/family change.
• Assists in supervision of patient care given by unlicensed nursing personnel, makes assignments appropriate to patient acuity and competency of staff. Establishes Hospice aide care plan as well of supervising the aide. Assists patients and family members with concerns. Collaborates with the patient, family and other disciplines for providing emotional support and teaching.
• Be empathetic and respect confidentiality and privacy. Always communicate in a courteous and respectful manner. Sensitive to the needs of terminally ill patients and families and one's own feelings about death and dying.
• Document accurate and ongoing assessment of patient status through various means of communication (verbal, written, computer documents). Document patient care reflecting nursing interventions, patient response to care, problems, capabilities, limitations, and progress towards goals. Documentation includes evidence of appropriate patient/significant other teaching, and the understanding of these instructions is noted in the medical record. Maintain up-to-date charts and records on patient care and regular communication with the patient's physician regarding changes in the patient's plan of care.
• Performs as team leader in delegating responsibilities to supportive personnel.
• Performs blood draws if required.
• Participate in agency on call rotation.
• Knowledge of and availability to perform patient intake and information visits as needed including explanation of the hospice benefit, complete physical assessment, and completion of admission paperwork.
• Participate in performance improvement project and attend mandatory meetings and Interdisciplinary team meetings.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Completion of a diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree in nursing required. Baccalaureate preferred.

Licensure, Registration, Certification:

• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for practice in the state of Tennessee.
• Responsible for Continuing Education Units annually.
• BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this position.
• Certification in area of clinical expertise by recognized authoritative agency desirable.
• Additional certifications may be required at department's discretion.
• Must have a valid state driver's license and auto liability insurance.

Experience:

• Three years recent (within the past five years) nursing experience in acute, long-term care or home care/hospice, with at least one in hospice or homecare preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill and proficiency in the principles, concepts, and techniques of the nursing profession as normally acquired through the completion of a diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree in nursing.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the hospital and hospice and completion of skills check sheet for designated areas as acquired through 3 month probationary period.
• Able to cope with emotional stress and be tolerant of individual lifestyles.
• Basic computer skills preferred.

Nondiscrimination Notice Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.