Job Description

Job Title:  Home Hospice R.N.
Years of Experience:  2 years in Nursing preferred
Education Level:  Licensed to practice in KY
FLSA Status:  Exempt and Non-exempt
FTE Status:  Full-Time
Reports to:  Nursing Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY

The R.N. is a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), working under the general direction of the ADCS, Director of Clinical Services and Medical Director to provide skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families.  She/he identifies patient/family needs, and provides direct care in accordance with physician’s orders and the patient’s individual plan of care.  He/she must have a current RN license to practice in the state of KY.

ROLE

The RN is the case manager of the patients care, establishing the plan of care with direct input from the other members of the IDG, the physician, the patient and family/CG.  He/she helps establish the written patient record, directs other clinical staff with patient care, maintains contact with the patient’s physician for condition changes and/or medications, and reports to the DCS as warranted.

RESPONSIBILITES (not limited to)

• To assume primary responsibility for patient/family assessment, care planning, implementation and evaluation of the nursing process.
• To initiate communication with the physician, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient and family/caregivers.
• To maintain regular communication with the Assistant DCS or Director of Clinical Services, especially for unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• To maintain regular communication with the attending physician or medical director concerning patients and their families/caregivers.
• To obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate data into the care plan.
• To maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plan, action, and goals, are accurate and clearly stated and reflect changes, as they occur.
• To seek input from the team members and families regarding the patient plan of care, to obtain additional knowledge and support.
• To accept responsibility for coordinating physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers and employed caregivers on providing direct care.
• To attend IDT meetings and facilitate discussion of issues for full staff review, consultation, and evaluation.
• To supervise and document the home health aide every fourteen (14) days.
• To assume the role of associate nurse when responding to patients/families of other staff nurses during on-call time, or as requested by the Assistant DCS and/or the Director of Clinical Services to fill patient/family needs during the absence of other staff nurses.
• To share in providing 24-hour, seven-day a week on-call coverage to patients/families.
• To provide appropriate support at time of death.
• To participate in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.
• To demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which aid in determining policies.
• To maintain confidentiality of patient and families at all times.
• To promote hospice care and philosophy in community, as the situation arises.
• To evaluate potential patients for hospice care in an alternative setting.
• To comply with accepted professional standards and principles.
• Other duties as assigned.

RESULTS

Quality patient and family care is the primary focus of the care of the hospice nurse.  The nurse promotes patient comfort and symptom control, to increase the quality of the final days of life for their patients.  These patients learn to trust their nurse and depend on him/her to achieve comfort and quality of life.  He/she is a strong patient advocate, and assists with completing last wishes/plans of the patient.

REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a current RN license to work in the state of Kentucky.   It is preferred that the RN have two (2) years of experience as a nurse, with a year preferably in an acute care setting.   Hospice or home health experience is a plus.  This position requires the ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and their families, the ability to cope with patient/family emotional stress and tolerant of varying lifestyles, cultural and religious beliefs.  He/she must be able to exercise judgment and discretion in confidential matters and be willing to work closely with other professionals in a team setting.

RELATIONSHIPS

The RN is the manager of the patient care team, under the direction of the DCS and physician/Medical Director.  However, for quality patient/family care, he/she must work closely and effectively with the other members of the team.  These internal relationships are based on mutual trust and respect, with the focus on the patients and their families.  He/she will, also, need to cultivate other internal relationships, with secretaries, management, volunteers, etc.

This position may require developing relationships outside the hospice staff, including vendors and other professional healthcare staff.   The Hospice RN will be in the community eye and will need to promote and build these relationships.  These external relationships will help increase the use of hospice care and knowledge of hospice throughout the community, therefore helping many more people.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion.  This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time.  Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access.  May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids.  Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds.  Able to work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.

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