Position Summary:

The On Call Nurse provides visits to patients with emergent and critical needs and as requested by providers and team leaders. Experienced in nursing, the On Call Nurse uses critical thinking skills to provide care, working independently to cover patient needs from 4:30 pm – 8:30 am Monday-Friday, and from 4:30pm Friday until 8:30am Monday.

Essential Job Functions:

• Answer emergent patient calls and conducts patient visits.
• Provides professional nursing care in line with the established goals of care for the patient.
• Assesses and evaluates patient’s status. If LPN, reports findings to RN working on the shift.
• Uses health assessment data to determine nursing needs.
• May add a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the physician in the physician’s plan of care.
• Initiates appropriate preventative and rehabilitave nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician’s plan of care and/orders.
• Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs.
• Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment plan.
• Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical documentation regarding patient’s condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate in the EMR at bedside.
• Communicates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives and documents physicians orders as required.
• Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families /caregivers.
• Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
• Assists the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.
• Coordinates arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.
• 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-service classes.
• Respects confidentiality and privacy of patients, caregivers, and fellow team members. Communicates in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Minimizes non-productive time and fills any slow periods of non-patient care with peer chart reviews and medication reconciliation checks as assigned by the Quality Department.
• Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Contact facilities in the BRH service area to see if there are any needs.
• Assist with the tuck-in program as assigned.
• Conducts PRN visits as requested by providers.
• Conduct phone, telehealth or in person visits as requested by team leaders.
• Plans to visit actively dying patients as time allows around emergent calls.
• Report via email, concerns/issues/complaints/incidents to the Director of Patient Advocacy and Education with copy to the Chief Emergent & Support Services Officer.
• Report via email patient needs to be addressed the following business day to Team Leaders.
• RNs will act autonomously in the provision of patient care and LPNs will work under the direction of the RN working on their shift.
• Respect professional and personal boundaries when providing patient care. to patients, caregivers, referral sources and team members.
• Will meet daily at 1615 when scheduled for work to huddle regarding the call report and visits needed.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order. Must be willing to travel the entire service area.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Registered nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse with current VA licensure to practice professional nursing in the state.
• Maintains a current CPR certification.
• Minimum of two years’ experience, at least one of which is in the area of public health, home care, or hospice nursing is preferred.
• Self- directed and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communications; nursing skills per competency checklist.
• Shows ability to organize and prioritize workload independently.

Physical/Sensory/Cognitive Requirements: The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Must be able to continuously stand and walk, frequently squat, climb stairs, bend to the floor, reach over the shoulder, kneel, twist, sit, lift patients, and remain in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods of time.
• Must have visual acuity enough to continuously note changes in patient condition (breathing, color, and skin integrity) and to read a thermometer, sphygmomanometer dial, and other instruments.
• Must have hearing acuity enough to auscultate BP, hear verbal instructions and communication from clients, respond to emergency alarms, and answer the telephone.
• 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
• Must be able to lift to 50 pounds.