Summary of Duties: Performs direct and indirect total nursing care of the Hospice patient and family in accordance with the St. Francis Hospice Standards for Nursing Practice in the inpatient setting; instructs family in simple nursing procedures in accordance with the Hospice Interdisciplinary Plan of Care.

Essential Functions of the Job

Provides care and maintains awareness of total nursing needs of patients/families assigned to him/her and is responsible for seeing they are fulfilled both through the admission process, ongoing assessment and discharge. 

Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team Conferences.

Administers and supervises the patient plan of care for each hospice patents for whom he/she is responsible, according to Federal, JCAHO, and appropriate Standards of Nursing Practice as defined by the Hospice Program.

Keeps physician informed on both a regular and on as needed basis regarding patient's condition and changes in the patient's plan of care and completes the Utilization Review Form.

Monitors and documents patient's reaction to symptom management and pain control.

Reports all medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and any unusual occurrences by completing an Incident Form.

Arranges for requisition of equipment needed in home setting when appropriate.

Responsible for maintaining a safe physical/working environment here at the facility for patients/families, visitors, volunteers and staff. .

Responsible for maintaining a clean physical/working environment for patients/families.

Coordinates nursing service with other disciplines including social services, pastoral/spiritual care, and volunteer services.

Participates in Interdisciplinary Team Conferences; presents and identifies problems for evaluation and recommendation and then helps to coordinate the plan of care which will best meet the patient/families’ needs.

Ensures that the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care and patient kardex, is kept current/updated of any changes and that the physician is updated on a regular basis as changes occur.

Responsible for initiating Bereavement Assessment Form on patients.

Consults with Patient/Family Care Coordinator on problems encountered in caring for patient/family.

Works together with the Hospice HC RN when a patient is transferred into the hospice facility or into the home setting regarding, medications, supplies, and equipment. 

Teaches, supervises and counsels the patient and family members regarding the nursing care needs and other related problems of the patient.

Teaches and directs Nurse Aides, volunteers, and other allied health staff for whom he/she has assigned responsibility.

Maintains accurate, current and complete records on all assigned patients. 

Adheres to and effectively communicates Hospice's philosophy, mission, goals, and objectives to community health agencies and to the public.

Assists in the referral, intake and discharge process as necessary.

Assists in orientation and development of nursing/medical practicum students during clinical experience in the Hospice Program.

Triages telephone calls from home care patients/families.

Ensures that all patient information is held in strict confidence.

Prepares and participates in regulatory/accrediting surveys (i.e. DOH/JCAHO).

Maintains responsibility to provide copies of a current license and current CPR.

Ensures that when charting, only approved abbreviations found in the procedure manual are used.

PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Educational Requirements: Registered Nurse, B.S.N. preferred. State of Hawaii RN License.

Experience: Minimum two (2) years’ previous experience. Acute/Oncology Experience, Hospice Preceptorship.

Skills Required: Dexterity in handling equipment and instruments. Ability to adapt to changing situations on short notice and with ease. Able to express self clearly and effectively in oral and written form. Effective interpersonal, communication skills. Desire to continually upgrade self in knowledge, skills, and professional conduct. Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.