Qualification Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of registered nursing; BSN preferred.
• Currently licensed as an RN through the Ohio Board of Nursing; must be able to obtain a nursing license in Michigan.
• Minimum 2 years of medical-surgical nursing experience required; previous experience in homecare, nursing home, and/or hospice experience is preferred. IV skills also preferred.
• Has working experience charting in an EMR system, NetSmart system preferred.
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Possesses clinical expertise related to critical thinking, assessment, problem-solving, and technical skills.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Has the ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile in good working condition and is insured in accordance with state and agency requirements.
• Must be CPR certified according to the American Heart Association CPR standards.
• Understands the hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying, concepts of pain/symptom management, and adult teaching/learning principles.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Provides professional nursing care to patients/family by utilizing all elements of the nursing process.
• Effectively communicates verbal and written patient/family information to the assigned RN.
• Daily completes assigned evaluations and admissions; provides for the delivery of timely and comprehensive evaluation and admission services.
• Completes all aspects of the patient/family assessment as defined in the Hospice Initial Assessment policy and procedure and provides a complete, succinct voicemail report to the appropriate team.
• Accurately completes the ORYX Admission Pain Assessment tool.
• Implements orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician on admission.
• Implements appropriate therapeutic nursing procedures as required on admission visit.
• Educates the patient/family, including but not limited to:
  • Patient/Family’s Rights and Responsibilities
  • Scope of Hospice Care and Services
  • Informed Consent/Explanation of Benefits
  • Grievance Procedure
  • Explanation of Medicare/Medicaid/Commercial Insurance Hospice Benefit
  • Medication including purpose, route and administration, and potential side effects
  • Equipment safety
  • Standard Precautions
  • Home Safety and Emergency Preparedness (fire, weather, disaster, electrical)
  • Disease process
• Develops and implements the initial Interdisciplinary Team Plan of Care to ensure that the initial patient/family needs are met.
• Obtains accurate and complete patient demographics and insurance information and works with the Insurance Coordinator to verify insurance benefits, pre-certifications, etc.
• Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding the patient’s condition and care received; meets agency standards for clinical documentation.
• Accepts responsibility to perform an assigned specialized procedure, such as IV therapy, only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical background and expertise in specialty area.
• Assists with cost management in areas that are directly related to this position.
• Assures compliance with Medicare, Joint Commission, state licensure regulations and agency standards for clinical care documentation.
• Educates the medical community, physician office staff, social workers and discharge planners regarding hospice program services, referral process and disease specific admission criteria.
• Actively participates in the hospice quality improvement program, including identifying opportunities for improvement, problem solving and implementing recommendations.
• Responsible to learn and utilize technology made available by the agency to increase efficiency, communication and performance of duties.
• Participates in monthly record review as requested.
• Attends staff meetings and completes all mandatory training.
• Holds in strictest confidence all patient information and discloses information and data only to persons authorized by Hospice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Registered Nurses may have exposure to infectious diseases. This position will require driving to patient homes and facilities in various weather conditions and will be subject to day and/or night-time travel.