Registered Nurse - Hospice Home Health Care

At Mahaska Health, we are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Hospice Registered Nurse to join our team in providing exceptional end-of-life care to patients and their families. The Hospice Registered Nurse will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care within the home setting or hospice facility, ensuring that each patient's dignity, comfort, and quality of life are prioritized. You will assess patients' needs, develop individualized care plans, and collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to implement those plans. This position requires not only a comprehensive understanding of palliative care principles but also excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients, families, and caregivers. By utilizing your clinical expertise and emotional intelligence, you will help navigate the complexities of end-of-life care, providing support and education to alleviate concerns and improve patients' experiences. The ideal candidate is committed to delivering empathetic care and embracing a philosophy that values the individuality and preferences of each patient, fostering a supportive environment for both patients and their families throughout the hospice journey.

Hours:
Part-time (1-2 Days per week on call rotation)

Essential Job Functions include but are not limited to:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Does initial physical assessment on assigned patients.
• Develop and implement patient-centered care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Administer medications and manage symptoms according to established protocols.
• Provide education and support to patients and families regarding end-of-life care options.
• Assist in coordinating services and resources for patients and families during the hospice process.
• Document patient care activities accurately and maintain up-to-date medical records.
• Reports change in patient condition to Interdisciplinary Group (IDG).
• Prepares written initial patient evaluation and regular patient updates thereafter.
• Performs venipuncture or obtains lab specimens per doctor's order.
• Notifies pharmacy and patient of medications and supplies for which hospice is responsible.
• Keep the patient’s primary provider and consulting provider informed of the patient’s condition.
• Keeps on-call nurse informed of patient status.
• Attend bi-weekly IDG meeting, reports on patient status, and prepares written evaluation.
• Instructs patients and family on home care.
• Arranges for needed equipment and supplies in the home and instructs on their use. Deliver and pickup as necessary.
• Teaches signs and symptoms of approaching death to caregivers.
• Supervises homemaker/health aide involved in assigned patients.
• Assists caregivers and family in transition from patient care to bereavement.
• Writes discharge summary and closes patient chart after death or transfer to other care.
• Keeps record of equipment and supplies loaned out on assigned patients.

Requirements include but are not limited to:

• A graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Iowa (or) a graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Registered Nurse able to work in the state of Iowa.
• Previous experience in hospice, palliative care, or critical care settings is preferred.
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at time of hire or attend within 6 months of start date.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards
• Required to have a valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record.
• Required to have limited liability insurance; coverage limit be $100,000 Each/ $300,000 Aggregate or $300,000 Combined Single Limit.
• Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing in the performance of activities associated with the job.
• Basic computer knowledge to complete necessary functions of position.
• Able to perform simple mathematical calculations.
• Must have completed hospice and philosophy training.
• Flexible to adjust work hours to meet staff and client needs during afterhours of normal operation.
• Must serve as on-call staff in agency rotation for after-hours services.
• Travel to client’s home during the course of the workday expected.
• Driving in adverse weather conditions may be possible.
• Potential sub-standard housing conditions may be encountered i.e. bug/rodent infestation and safety issues.
• Potential contact with client’s pets, smoking environments and/or unpleasant odors.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, disease, and conditions.