Hospice Care Registered Nurse - NIGHTS

Department: Hospice Joint Venture SVH

Exempt: No

Schedule: NIGHTS - VARIABLE

Position Type: Per Diem

FTE: 0.000001

Base Wage $42.06 to $76.69

Location: Hospice of the Northwest

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary

Provides nursing support to patients and their caregivers on evening and night shifts. Provides phone and visit support which includes assessment, implementation, and coordination of hospice services consistent with Hospice of the Northwest policies, procedures and philosophy.

Essential Functions

Demonstrates knowledge of and practices in compliance with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of State and Federal entities which aid in determining policies. Assesses the physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient status and incorporates data into the comprehensive assessment/plan of care/interventions. Assesses the patient's and families goals. Actively reports changes in condition and additional interventions to the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Provides patient, family/caregivers and facility staff education and instruction. Obtains, follows, and communicates physician orders while maintaining regular communications with physicians concerning patient/family care needs and responses to interventions. Initiates communications with physicians, hospice staff and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family. Consults with Hospice Physician regarding relatedness for treatments outside of Plan of Care then explains Hospice services to assist patients and families in decision-making when needs are outside of Plan of Care. Consults with Administrator on Call for authorizations, revocations, changes in Level of Care. Provide support to bereaved at time of death. Maintains patient records so that problems, plans, actions, and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur. Seeks input from other team members regarding the patient plan of care to obtain additional knowledge and support. Meets regularly with hospice nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth. Assists other hospice staff as needed. Coordinates provision of pharmacy services, DME, and other supplies in a timely and cost effective manner. Arranges changes to all levels of hospice care as indicated/ordered. Shares in providing 24-hour seven days per week rotation to provide care for patient/families when necessary. Assists with identifying and problem solving quality improvement issues by participating in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) process. As requested, participates in orientation of new personnel. Maintains regular communications with Manager or designee to review telepage management. Consults with Manager or designee regarding decisions impacting clinical staff and the delivery of care. Makes decisions in conjunction with the Manager that reflect thorough consideration of alternative and creative solutions. Shows sensitivity to the impact of decisions on others. Informs the Manager or designee of unusual or potentially problematic issues. Actively participates in program development via committees, task forces, or educational efforts. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

RN from an accredited school of nursing. BSN or advanced degree highly desirable.

Experience/Training

Minimum of three years work experience in one of the following areas as a Registered Nurse: Hospice, Home Health, Medical/Surgical Unit or Skilled Nursing Facility required. Minimum experience of one year as a Case Manager, Resident Case Manager, Charge Nurse or similar position preferred. Previous Medicare-certified Hospice or Home Health experience strongly preferred. Computer proficiency. Prefer experience with electronic medical records.

License/Certifications

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Washington. Current Washington State Driver's License and proof of automobile liability insurance required. Current American Heart Association (AHA) HealthCare Provider BLS required.

Other Skills

Ability to communicate effectively both in written and verbal form. Able to develop effective interpersonal relationships with patients/families, staff, physicians and facility staff/caregivers. Working knowledge of the fundamentals of nursing practice. Current knowledge of practice standards of Hospice. Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple tasks while working independently. Ability to collaborate with and delegate to other team members. Ability to educate patient, family/caregivers and facility staff so they may provide effective patient support.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and driving all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in a variety of communities and patient homes for which there is little control over environmental conditions.Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.