Registered Nurse-Hospice

The Registered Nurse plans, organizes and directs hospice care and is experienced in nursing, with emphasis on community health education/experience. The professional nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individuals and families within their homes and communities.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of National League of Nursing accredited school of nursing. Current licensure in state and BLS certification. Registered nurses shall have a minimum of one (1) year of experience as a professional nurse within the last three (3) years; OR have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League of Nursing and a current RN license. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience, at least one of which is in the area of public health, home care, or hospice nursing is preferred. Management experience not required. Responsible for supervising hospice aides. Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic math skills; nursing skills per competency checklist. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patient Care
• 1. Completes an initial, comprehensive and ongoing comprehensive assessment of patient and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es).
• 2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.
• 3. Assess and evaluates patient’s status by:
• A. Writing and initiating plan of care
• B. Regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs
• C. Participating in revising the plan of care as necessary
• 4. Initiates the plan of care and makes necessary revisions as patient status and needs change.
• 5. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis.
• 6. 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.
• 7. Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care.
• 8. Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs.
• 9. Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment and plan.
• 10. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts towards self-sufficiency and optional comfort care.
• 11. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by Clinical Supervisor and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload.