Resource Registered Nurse

Essential Functions:

1. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the Hospice setting where patient/family/caregiver requires care.
2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.
3. Conducts on call/emergent nursing assessments and scheduled visits to assure the highest level of physical and emotional comfort for the patient.
4. Performs symptom management based on verbal assessment to ensure the highest level of physical and emotional comfort for the patient.  When appropriate, offers and completes a home visit.
5. Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by:
   1. Writing and initiating a plan of care.
   2. Initiating orders for mediations and durable medical equipment, as prescribed by the attending physician or designee.
   3. Applying preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques as appropriate for the patient.
   4. Revising the plan of care if necessary.         
6. Communicates with Provider and members of the interdisciplinary group regarding ongoing patient needs and changes to the plan of care. 
7. Documents all communications and services in an accurate and timely manner in the electronic medical record.
8. Arranges for DME/supply delivery, medication refills, and the ordering of tests as prescribed by the provider.
9. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optimal comfort.
10. Increases patient/caregiver confidence by providing education and psychosocial support.  Individualizes the patient/ caregiver’s self-care techniques as appropriate. 
11. Provides medication, diet and other education as ordered by the attending physician or designee and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients/families/caregivers.  Works together with the other members of the Interdisciplinary Group.
12. In partnership with family/caregiver and colleagues, maintains a safe environment for the patient.
13. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and the Interdisciplinary Group members to provide continuity of care and meet the emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver.
14. Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure, only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical back­ground, and expertise in the specialty area.
15. Facilitates positive community relations by providing excellent customer service; maintains a good standing in the community.
16. Completes additional tasks as assigned such as chart audits, workflow, infection control logs, etc.
17. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes.
18. Stays informed about changes in the field of Hospice care; shares information with appropriate personnel.
19. Utilizes allocated supplies and resources appropriately to ensure business outcomes are met.
20. Adjusts to changes in workload and schedules based on changing team priorities.
21. Adheres to organizational Code of Conduct, policies, procedures, protocols and processes and all regulatory and legal requirements
22. Adheres to the NorthStar standards to care for every person, every time, 100% of the time.

Qualifications:

1. Graduation from an accredited school of nursing with possession of a current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the State of Michigan.
2. Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of varied nursing experience required; hospice experience and CHPN preferred.
3. Skilled in nursing practice with demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families.
4. Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required of clinicians in their practice.
5. Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and be able to effectively communicate, orally and in writing, in internal and external relationships for all essential job functions.
6. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, effective organizational, prioritization and follow-through skills, attention to detail, tact, dependability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to maintain confidentiality and promote positive, constructive relationships with communication and collaboration at all levels.
7. Must be able to coordinate several tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.
8. Must be able to cope with family/caregiver emotional stress, cultural diversity, and be tolerant of individual lifestyles.
9. The physical demands of the position include: vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; traveling; driving or riding in motor vehicle for extended periods; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds unassisted and the ability to assist in lifting patients using appropriate lifting techniques and/or devices.
10. Proof of current tuberculin testing required. Patient contact will not be allowed until tuberculin clearance is documented.
11. Must be able to work variable hours/shifts and/or days, including weekends. Must have the ability to occasionally work extended days, as necessary.
12. Must have reliable transportation.
13. Must be eligible to work in the United States.