Under the supervision of the Director of Hospice, the RN provides skilled nursing that is aimed at optimizing patients’ quality of life through interdisciplinary care and symptom management.

Additional duties include:

• Makes the initial evaluation visit to begin appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
• Educates the patient and family/caregiver regarding care and other identified needs related to the illness of the patient.
• Assists with the coping of the patient and family/caregiver through the anticipatory guidance of events throughout the disease process.
• Maintains close communication with the patient’s physician to report all significant changes in the patient’s condition and needs and collaborates with the physician to develop treatment protocols, which are consistent with Hospice palliative care guidelines.
• Evaluates the patient and family/caregiver situation, with particular attention to their physical needs, on an ongoing basis to provide an ongoing plan of care.
• Documents care provided in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Supervises LVNs, Hospice Aides, and other paraprofessionals providing care to the patient and family/caregiver.
• Coordinates services with other professional and ancillary staff.
• Assists the Clinical Director and other team members in the development of the IDT plan of care by participating in team meetings and patient care conferences.
• Counsels and provides proper emotional support to patients and their families.
• Maintain the patient’s and family’s right to privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Works non-judgmentally with patients and families of many cultures, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and various lifestyles.