JOB SUMMARY

Responds to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families by providing direct and indirect patient care in their home. Performs general nursing duties with appropriate supervision. Reports to Hospice Administrator. Non-Exempt position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs Registered Nurse duties within the RN scope of practice.

Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.

Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by writing and initiating plan of care, regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs, revising the plan of care as necessary.

Initiates the plan of care and makes necessary revisions as patient status and needs change.

Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis.

Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process.

Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.

Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care.

Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related matters.

Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care.

Acts as Case Manager and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload.

Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given.

Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.

Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.

Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self care techniques as appropriate.

Provides instructions for medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician.

Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families/caregivers.

Works in concert with the other hospice interdisciplinary group members.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.

Attends interdisciplinary group meetings.

Participates in all on-call duties.

Ensures that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.

Supervises ancillary personnel and delegates responsibilities when required.

Assumes responsibility for personnel growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes

Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.

Actively participates in quality management programs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

Current Texas Registered Nurse Licensure required.

Current BLS for healthcare professionals required.

One year RN experience required.

One year hospice experience preferred.

Valid state driver’s license, current automobile insurance and reliable automobile required.

Required Skills

Must possess superior ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages preferred.

Excellent interpersonal skills and customer service.

Must possess high degree of organization and be able to multi-task efficiently and effectively.

Basic computer knowledge required, including Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Ability to use standard office equipment (copier, fax, etc.).

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Functional Job Requirements:

Job requirements include, but are not limited to: sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending, squatting and reaching. Requires good finger dexterity, repetitive motions with hands and fingers. Requires ability to have good vision and hearing. Pushing and pulling equipment may be necessary.

Lifting Requirements

Job requires heavy lifting on an occasional basis.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising the job duties.