The Registered Nurse who is responsible for the accurate assessment of each patient’s status, problems and needs. The RN, in conjunction with other members of the Interdisciplinary Team, designs and implements an individualized Plan of Care from admission to discharge/death. The RN serves as the coordinator of hospice care for the patient and their family. All care directly provided or coordinated by the RN is in conformance with federal/state regulations.

REPORTS TO: Registered Nurse – Case Manager

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Hospice Aides

EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING REQUIRED:
Requires an Associate degree in nursing or a diploma certificate from an approved nursing program. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES REQUIRED:
Requires a valid current Florida Registered Nurse License and a valid Florida Driver’s License.

EXPERIENCE/SPECIFIC SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
One to Two years’ experience in home health, oncology, acute care or public health. Ability to read, write and speak English. Ability to manage time and coordinate a caseload with minimum direct supervision. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift, push, pull twenty five (25) pounds without difficulty. Good visual and audio acuity. Ability to work effectively under varying degrees of stress.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Collects and analyzes data from patient’s medical history, nursing assessment and staff input to develop a written, individualized Plan of Care which meets the needs of the patient.
 Keen clinical observation of patient’s condition, response to treatment/medications and recommend changes to patient’s Plan of Care.
 Coordinates nursing care with other Interdisciplinary Team members, including leading the presentation during Interdisciplinary Team meetings, case conferences
and discussions with St. Francis Reflections LSC (SFR) medical staff and the patient’s attending physician.
 Prepares complete and accurate documentation in accordance with all SFR policies and procedures, Federal/State regulations and Medicare/Medicaid guidelines.
 Maintains strict confidentiality and respect for patient/family privacy and possessions.
 Practices Universal Precautions and safety at all times.
 Teaches patient/family skills needed to maintain patient in comfort and perform personal hygiene activities.
 Provides emotional support to patient/family and other caregivers.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Participates in rotational on-call schedule.
 Participates in performance improvement and quality control activities.
 Increases knowledge of palliative care through active participation in educational opportunities.
 Assists patient/family with understanding requirements during implementation of a disaster plan.
 Participates in orientation and education of SFR personnel.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:
 Clinically competent in all aspects of hospice nursing.
 Submits complete and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record of all activities in time frame identified in policy/procedures.
 Displays ability to adapt to changing work environment and flexible in schedule to meet needs of patient/family.
 Participates in Performance Improvement activities on a formal basis.
 Espouses understanding of SFR philosophy/mission in daily activities.