Description

Job Summary

Every weekend position working Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 7am-7pm

As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the hospice nurse works under the direction of the Hospice Operations Leader, Practice Director, Medical Director, and the attending physician in the provision of nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. Works closely with all members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians and area agencies. 

Job Responsibilities

• Receives patient assignments from the Operations Leader or Clinical Resource Team Leader.
• Focus communications on patient/customer care, business operations, and/or topics to create a positive work environment.
• Assumes responsibility for a patient/family that includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care.
• Initiates 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.
• Maintains communication with the Operations Leader or designee to review care.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care.
• Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate that into the plan of care.
• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Accepts responsibility for coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary care givers, volunteers, employed care givers, or by providing direct care as appropriate.
• Instructs the patient and care giver:

• How to administer medication and recognize side effects.
• How to perform personal care and oral hygiene.
• How to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation and exercise.
• How to prepare for the events preceding death.

• Informs the Operations Leader/or designee of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Attends the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team meetings and other patient conferences as deemed necessary.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death.
• Shares in providing 24-hour seven-day a week coverage to patients and families.
• Participates in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.
• Performs other related duties and special projects.
• Provides general information and one-on-one education to Nursing Home facilities staff concerning hospice service, terminal care and Hospice/Nursing Home facilities working relationships.
• Protects the confidentiality of patient/family information at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate, proactively working to identify and resolve patient concerns while practicing within FHN policies and procedures.
• Understand and able to perform functions related to computer programs, telecommunication equipment, and other technology.
• Participates in activities to support FHN's mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Serves as a mentor or preceptor to coworkers displaying a positive nursing image and promoting a positive educational experience.
• Displays competency for the Registered Nurse - Hospice role as evidenced in the annual performance appraisal following the FHN PRIDE Standards.
• Supervises LPN's, CNA's, and volunteers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Requirements

Education:

Required Experience: At least one year of recent acute care/hospice experience with demonstrated commitment to hospice philosophy of care.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• BLS Certification
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois
• Valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 200 pounds with accommodations or with assistance.

Populations Served

While performing this job, the employee may care for patients in the following age groups.

• Infant (< 1 year old)
• Early Childhood (1 year and < 5 years old)
• Late Childhood (5 years and < 13 years old)
• Adolescent (13 and < 17 years old)
• Young Adult (17 to < 30 years old)
• Middle Adult (30 years to < 60 years old)
• Older Adult (> 60 years old)
• Serves patients in areas other than direct patient care

While performing this job, the employee does not care for patients in the following age groups.

• No direct responsibility to treat or care for patients
• Neonate (< 30 days)