Description

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt FT, PT, PRN: Full-time

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Evaluate physical needs of the patient
• Coordinate medication administration, education and assure accuracy 
•  Evaluate the need for other services
•  Communicate patient/family information to the interdisciplinary team
•  Implements care plans developed by the registered nurse and contributes suggestions toward the plan of care with goals defined by the patient/family and the hospice 
•  Provide nursing services according to the plan of care 
•  Make referral to other services as needed in coordination with the medical social worker
•  Teach the primary caregiver, sitter, and home health aide by role model, repetition, and reinforcement
•  Provide ongoing assessment of continuing needs for patient/family teaching
•  Provide the patient/family with information concerning the disease process, the regimen of treatment process, and alternative methods of care.
•  Respond to questions honestly and realistically
•  Help the patient/family make informed choices
•  Promote independence and responsibility throughout the course of the disease
•  Provide emotional support
•  Actively listen to patient and family concerns
•  Support individual coping mechanisms 
•  Provide services at the time of death
•  Assist with bereavement follow-up, attending receiving’s or funeral services, as appropriate
•  Evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions on a regular basis and whenever changes occur in the patient/family situation
•  Communicate with physician as needed and as required by regulations.
•  Maintain current knowledge and competency in providing care to terminally ill patients and their families
•  Adhere to the plan of care for new patients in coordination with IDT.
•  Notify staff of patient death in accordance with policy
•  Respond promptly to all emergency situations
•  Maintain constant vigilance over patients, ensuring necessary safety precautions are taken
•  Follow all infection control procedures.
•  Maintain flexibility to work in home care or alternate patient care unit as directed by supervisor.
•  Perform patient care duties within scope of practice and under the supervision of a registered nurse. 
•  Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Physical Demands: 

•  Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks
•  Speech and hearing skills necessary for telephone interaction and face to face contact
•  Ability to sit extended periods of time and perform administrative tasks
•  Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds
•  Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and keyboard for extended periods of time
•  Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance

Special requirements: 

•  Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver’s license