Homecare RN

JOB TITLE: Home Care Registered Nurse

FUNCTION

Provides nursing care to Hospice of the Upstate patients in accordance to Medicare Conditions of Participation and organizational policies following medical directives and Hospice plan of care

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under minimal supervision while ensuring quality health care. Reports to the Home Care Patient Care Coordinator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The RN will provide supervision to Hospice Aides and Licensed Practical Nurses with jointly assigned patients.

QUALFICATIONS

1. Must have a current South Carolina license as a Registered Nurse.

2. Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

3. Must have reliable transportation.

4. Demonstrate the ability to be flexible and work indendently.

5. Demonstrate the ability to manage work load and schedule effectively and efficiently.

6. Must be empathetic and have the ability to relate well to patients, families, and members of the Hospice of the Upstate care team.

7. Understands and embraces the hospice philosophy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

(These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.)

• Completes and documents the initial nursing assessment within 48 hours of admission. (E)
• Develops and implements the patient specific plan of care.
• Routine visits, follow-up visits, on-call visits, and phone calls will be documented within 24 hours of event.(E)
• Schedules weekly visits with each assigned patient in accordance with the ordered visit frequency and communicates date and time with patient/family. If the nurse has a change in schedule, patient/family is notified prior to the date and time scheduled.(E)
• Provides education, training, and support to the hospice patient/family as directed by the patient’s plan of care.(E)
• Ensures that patient status is correct and entered into record after bi-weekly interdisciplinary team meeting.
• Communicates patient needs and changes with Hospice Medical Director, attending physician, and contracting agencies that provide services.
• Develops, implements, and updates team care plans that reflect patient/family wishes and appropriate level of care.(E)
• Ensures all guidelines are met for changes in level of care and care location.
• Communicates and collaborates with the Rainey Hospice House staff with home care patient transfer.
• Ensures continuity of care if patient is hospitalized.
• Ensures medication profile remains current.
• Completes Hospice Aide care plan and updates as patient condition warrants. Conducts and documents aide supervision at least every 14 days.
• Attends agency staff meetings, department staff meetings, educational offerings, and other offered hospice events.
• Practices within the guidelines of the appropriate Boards of Nursing.
• Participates in the monthly on-call schedule to provide 24 hour coverage. (E)
• Meets competency requirements for discipline and role.
• Assists other departments with a spirit of team work and cooperativeness

19. Ensure the protection of patient and employee information by following the HIPAA-HITECH guidelines.

20. Professionally represent the organization with credibility and dignity and in the spirit of excellence and trust.

21. Be flexible, organized and work effectively and professionally under stress.

22. Demonstrate and communicate the mission, ethics, and goals of the facility as the face of Hospice.

• Assumes other duties as necessary.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Standard medical equipment: iPad, phone, BP cuff, and stethoscope.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

May be required to climb steps, stoop, bend or lift up to 35 pounds. Must be able to communicate compassionately with patients, families and the general public.

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid South Carolina Nursing License
• Homecare Nursing experience preferred

Hospice of the Upstate provides compassionate, quality care to seriously ill and terminally ill patients and their families, while offering leadership and community education for end of life.