Registered Nurse (RN), Hospice - Per Diem

Job Summary:

The Hospice Registered Nurse will bring the essential elements of the hospice delivery model into the patient’s defined living space through assessing, planning and implementing a treatment plan to keep terminally ill patients comfortable. Their duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications and supporting patients and their families through this transition. The RN Hospice brings comfort to the patient who faces the end of life and helps them reach acceptance and peace of mind. The RN Hospice provides quality care to patients through the implementation of the nursing process applied through a team nursing model. As an integral member of the health care team, coordinates patient care and communicates and collaborates extensively with the other members of the Interdisciplinary team, patients and/or patient’s family or significant other(s).  Maintains and demonstrates high standards of professional ethics. This position works with the intake team, referring physician and other referral sources to promote the hospice philosophy of care. This position will travel statewide.

Position Responsibilities:

Perform and document nursing process – assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patients receiving care in-person at their defined home. Review and follow-up on family education, implemented patient care plans, and coordinated services. Triage, identify, and act on changes in patient condition.

Provides nursing care, emotional support and education to patients and families.

Assist with wound care, treatments, procedures, and comfort care.

Administers medications and treatments as written in the patient's plan of care to obtain a level of comfort and/or relieve symptoms associated with the patient’s diagnosis.

Observes, records and reports signs and symptoms of the disease process, changes in patient’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social condition and responses to the therapeutic regimen.

Communicates significant findings, problems, changes in patient's condition or environment to the Physician and other members of the health care team.

Utilizes and instructs patient and family on patient symptom reporting, the dying process.

Demonstrates crisis intervention with patient and family.

Demonstrates effective pain management assessment with each visit, and appropriate interventions to manage pain and meet patient care needs.

Assesses/observes pain using identified pain scales per protocol and per Patient Bill of Rights. Establishes acceptable level of pain as per patient.

Demonstrates death pronouncement with correct documentation, care of the body, support of the family and disposal of medication. Assists in relaying information to a previously identified funeral home, local EMT and/or Police. If needed.

Consults with physician for appropriate orders.

Works toward the achievement of physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being of the patient/family.

Promotes teamwork by participating actively and appropriately as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

Collaborates with other members of the interdisciplinary team in coordinating care.

Makes appropriate referrals for other discipline services and medical equipment/supply companies to meet patient comfort and symptom relief in a timely manner.

Coordinates care of patients with a variety of disciplines and community resources, both internal and external in a fiscally responsible manner.

Performs on-call responsibilities and on-call services to patients/families as assigned.

Participates in weekend, holiday and on-call coverage as necessary.

Utilizes appropriate resources to maintain knowledge and skills for the hospice care in all settings including regulatory/reimbursement guidelines and integrates into clinical practice.

Adheres to policies and procedures of the organization, including HIPAA and Patient confidentially regulations.

Completes and submits documentation within agency timeliness policies that is complete, legible, and clearly reflects care given.

Maintains nursing supplies and anticipates and restocks needed supplies. Maintains safe and clean working environment.

Participates in QAPI activities and interdisciplinary team meetings.

Other duties and/or projects as assigned – Complete other duties as assigned and demonstrate flexibility with job responsibilities in all areas. Adheres to Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Position Qualifications Required:

Required Experience:

Minimum of 2-3 years of nursing experience required; 2 years hospice experience preferred. Experience working in a home care setting preferred. Excellent assessment skills and clinical judgement.

Knowledge of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.

Required Education:

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

BSN preferred.

Training / Certification / Licensure:

Current State of New Jersey nursing license to practice as a registered nurse. 

Current CPR certification and BLS.

Must have current proof of valid driver's license and auto insurance.