Description

Responsible as a member of the interdisciplinary team to the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC) and the attending physician for the provision of skilled nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families consistent with Community Hospice of South Alabama (CHSA) policies and procedures.

Responsible for identifying patient/family needs and for providing supportive care and appropriate services in accordance with the attending physician’s orders and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) plan of care.

Assume primary responsibility for a patient/family caseload that includes the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process.

Initiate, and continue, communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.

Obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate that data into the plan of care.

Maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.

Instruct primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers to provide care as indicated.

Meet regularly with hospice nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.

Attend patient conference and facilitate discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.

Supervise and document observance of the hospice aide delivery of care every 14 days.

Share in providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage to patients/families when necessary.

Provide appropriate support at time of death and perform bereavement assessment if requested.

Participate in CHBC’s orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff.

Demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of State and Federal bodies.

Complete discharge notes/forms in the medical record on planned discharges.

Accept other assignments as appropriate.

Requirements

• Possession of current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the state of Alabama.
• Minimum two years of recent work experience as a professional hospice nurse.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings.
• Demonstrated skill in nursing practice, ability to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles.