I. Qualifications

Skilled Nurse from an Accredited program currently licensed and in good standing with the Pennsylivna State Board of Nursing. One to 1 years experience in nursing in an acute care setting or 1-year experience in home health, hospice or comparable experience is preferred. Desire to learn and demonstration of aptitude for the hospice philosophy and comfort care required.

II. Responsibilities

Nurse Manager, works in conjuction with Hospice Executive Director and the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• provide hands-on clinical nursing, interacting with patients, family, physicians, Interdisciplinary Team members, and other health care professionals involved in the patient’s care.

• assess and coordinate a pain/symptom management program formulated with the participation of family and patient, attending physician and the Interdisciplinary Team, utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain/symptom control to enhance quality of life.

• assist in facilitating freedom of choice, relief of suffering and death with dignity for patients facing end of life issues.

• provide support and education for families based on the hospice philosophy of care. Care includes physical, psychological, spiritual, and financial comfort.

• participate in Interdisciplinary Team meetings and up-dates the Plan of Care (POC) for assigned patients based on identified problems and needs.

• ensure all services provided are in accordance with the patient’s POC.

• ensure the POC involves the active participation of the patient, family, PCP, and the Interdisciplinary Team

• educate patient and family on the disease process and expectation related to the disease progression.

• assist with CQI activities.

• work as a team member at all times and uphold the Hospice Code of Ethics

• provide care to manage patient symptoms.

• utilize the medication formulary whenever possible for the management of patient symptoms.

III. Orientation and TRAining

Tender Care Hospice will provide orientation and training, as necessary, to assist the Nurse Manager in performing the responsibilities listed above. Training may be in-house or outside seminars. Evidence of orientation and training will become part of the personnel file.

IV. On Call

The Nurse manager will be on call according to scheduling. During the hours when on call, the Nurse Manager is expected to follow On Call Protocol and to respond to all pages within 20 minutes.

V. Accountability

Reports directly to the Hospice Executive Director.