Job Title/Position: Hospice On Call RN

Reports To: Clinical Director

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The On-Call Hospice RN is responsible for responding to all of the Hospice patient census and their families, as well as handling any referrals or community inquiries outside of office hours (nights, weekends and holidays). The on-call nurse will provide urgent clinical and psychosocial interventions for patients and their families, skilled pain and symptom management and collaboration with providers within and outside of the hospice team to maximize positive patient outcomes. The work of the On-Call Hospice RN provides considerable consideration for independent assessment and judgement in crisis situations, utilizing and consulting with the Hospice Medical Director and administrator on call as indicated.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Consistent availability by telephone and email during assigned shifts.
2. Conducts urgent physical and psychosocial assessments of the patient and family during after hours and determines appropriate interventions.
3. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
4. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of the nursing process.
5. Provides skilled nursing care focusing on pain control and symptom management.
6. Provides interim guidance to the patient and family regarding diagnosis, medications, treatments and progress.
7. Documents patient care thoroughly and timely.
8. Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical documentation regarding patient's condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
9. Communicates and collaborates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives physicians’ orders as required.
10. Works closely with members of the IDG to provide continuity of care and support for the patient and family.
11. Collaborates with vendors to obtain DME, supplies and medications when needed after-hours.
12. Collaborates with the hospital and other community residential staffing to adjust interventions and plans of care as needed.
13. Conducts after hours hospice admissions as necessary.
14. Participates in mandatory meetings as required.
15. 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-services.
16. Fulfills the obligation of requested assignments.
17. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understands and is committed to the hospice philosophy of care.
2. Functions effectively as a team member.
3. Holds a comprehensive knowledge of medication, treatment and therapies for pain and symptom management.
4. Visits patients wherever they call home.
5. Consults with physicians, other team members and administrative staff as indicated.
6. Relates to and cares for people from all walks of life in a calm, courteous and professional manner.
7. Maintains client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA laws and company policy.
8. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
9. Maintains current unencumbered license to practice in the commonwealth of NJ as a Registered Nurse.
10. Preferably has two years of experience in hospice, homecare, hospital medical-surgical or oncology nursing.
11. Understands and works within state and federal laws and regulations and nursing scope of practice.
12. Understands documentation requirements and is able to complete documentation in a timely manner.
13. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
14. Must maintain current driver’s license and automobile insurance, providing own transportation.
15. Once an offer of employment is made, it is contingent upon satisfactory references, as requested, and criminal background checks by regulation.
16. Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic computer skills, basic math skills and nursing skills per competency checklist.
17. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.