Provides direct palliative care to terminally ill patients and their families while functioning within a medically approved plan of care. Demonstrates proficiency in triaging patient emergencies both in person and on the phone while effectively communicating patient needs and concerns to the correct member of the hospice team.
Accountability
Reports to the RN Clinical Coordinator
Requirements
Essential Job Functions
Fosters and maintains an effective working relationship between co-workers, patients, and other professional members of the community
Follows an individualized Plan of Care established by the interdisciplinary team for each patient
Manages overall care to assigned patients encompassing coordination of all hospice disciplines
Assists the hospice interdisciplinary team in establishing and maintaining the individualized plan of care and treatment goals for each assigned patient
Gathers, reports, and analyzes patient care data and implements care accordingly
Capable of giving adequate report on patient’s condition to the Hospice Medical Director, members of the interdisciplinary team, other nurses and supervisors as needed
Immediately reports any changes to the Hospice Medical Director and interdisciplinary team
Reports unusual conditions, observations and pertinent information to the physician or Director of Nursing
Understands/provides basic principles of palliative care/pain management within the Scope of Practice
Complies with all documentation policies/procedures
Completes appropriate documentation in a legible and timely manner
Utilizes appropriate chain of command
Supervises and delegates duties to Certified Nurse Aides and Licensed Practical Nurses
Participates in Interdisciplinary Team Meetings and other Performance Improvement Activities
Pronouncement of Death with previously established physician orders; RN may pronounce death
Calls coroner and/or patient’s mortuary of choice and completes process related to removal of body from location of death
Provides intervention and support as needed related to terminal illness and loss
Provides emotional and spiritual support and makes appropriate referrals to other team members
Assess and address depression and fear associates with terminal illness
Facilitates communication among patient, family, and hospice team
Identifies caregiver strain which may necessitate respite care relief, and or support
Educates and assist the patient and family to complete Advance Directives upon patient/family request
Provides personal care as assigned by the Interdisciplinary Team, Hospice Physician and Director of Clinical Operations which may consist of, but not limited to:
Nursing assessment/reassessment
Medication management, administration, and teaching
Providing comfort measures
Insertion/maintenance/removal of foley catheters
Insertion/maintenance/removal of various IV catheters for pain control/comfort
Application/adjustment of oxygen, IV, NG, G-Tube and other invasive lines as ordered by the physician.
Vital signs (B/P, T, P, R)
Assists with ambulation/transfers
Follows the State of Nevada Nurse Practice Act during all patient care activities
Follows policy and Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice for clinical care
Other duties as assigned
Specific to Job Position
Adheres to patient rights, abuse reporting and confidentiality policies
Attends scheduled staff meetings and/or in-service training
Adheres to departmental dress code requirements related to uniform, personal grooming, and other attire
Demonstrates reliability by making every attempt to report to work on time, providing proper notification for absences or tardiness and participating in required meetings
Demonstrates ability to problem-solve and make decisions by assessing situations and considering alternatives, seeking guidance and direction as necessary, utilizing proper chain of command
Demonstrates effective time management skills by coordinating activities to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency, willingness to adjust or revise work schedules as requested
Assumes responsibility for on-going personal development and continuing education
Stays current with all mandatory agency and regulatory requirements
Completes assigned projects within specified time frames
Physical/Safety Requirements
Must have the strength and endurance required for standing, walking, lifting, bending, and pushing on a consistent basis up to 50 lbs
Must utilize appropriate durable medical equipment as needed in a safe manner
Uses appropriate body mechanics for safe patient care
Category 1 for potential exposure to blood/body fluids. (Requires the performance of procedures or other tasks in the work routine that involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, or a potential for spills or splashes of them. Protective measures should be used while engaged in Category 1 tasks with exposure potential.)
Must utilize appropriate PPE as needed
Follows the designated plan of action in the event of a fire or other emergency/disaster
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles, work-related stresses, and driving hazards
This individual may be required to drive to meetings with clients, health care professionals or patients’ homes
The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to meet the work environmental and physical demands listed above.
Qualifications and Experience
Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State Board of Nursing in the State of Nevada
Prefer 1 year experience as a registered nurse in hospice, home health or geriatric care
Successful completion of a background check pursuant to NRS 449.188 and NRS 179A.100 along with a pre-employment drug screen and physical, TB testing, previous employment and reference checking, and an MVR (may include verification of education)
Must read, speak, write, and understand the English language
CPR/First Aid certification is required
Must be able to handle frequent interruptions
Must be able to cope with emotionally charged situations encompassing, patients, families, and other caregivers
Must be available for prescheduled on-call hours, weekends, and holidays
Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance