Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description
The Hospice RN is an experienced registered professional nurse who initiates and coordinates the hospice care plan, provides skilled and palliative care and coordinates the services provided to his/her patients. The RN works cooperatively with the attending physician, Hospice Medical Director, and other members of the interdisciplinary Hospice team. The RN participates in patient care conferences and supervises the Home Health Aides assigned. The RN provides care, as described in this position description, to patients who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The RN regularly reviews and updates the plan of care. Performs prescribed medical treatments, including pain management and symptom control, conducts assessments and evaluations, provides education and supportive care to patients and caregivers.
REPORTS TO: Director of Patient Care Services or Team Leader
SUPERVISES: Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses, Certified Home Health Aides,
Homemakers
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Credentials: Current RN License within the State. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing desired.
Experience: Minimum of one-year experience as a professional nurse within the last 3 years or have a Baccalaureate in Nursing from a program accredited by the National
League for Nursing.
Core Competencies: Demonstrated competency in performance of professional nursing functions.
Requires excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work with dying patients and their families. Possesses a sympathetic attitude toward caring for the hospice patient and demonstrates positive communication skills in interacting with other members of the hospice team.
Other: Valid driver's license and auto insurance.
FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Performs comprehensive nursing evaluations.
2. Assesses for signs and symptoms of discomfort including the presence of pain and takes prompt and appropriate action.
3. Initiates plan of care and appropriate supervises, provides appropriate nursing follow-up to all patients. Instructs caregivers in managing patient needs and submits appropriate documentation within 24 hours of visit.
4. Coordinates all services provided to patients/families in all settings to ensure the quality of care and services as well as the appropriateness of care.
5. Supervises the implementation of the approved plan of care, modifies as needed, and contacts physicians when appropriate.
6. Provides supervision of Home Health Aides and LVN/LPN every 14 days.
7. Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling, and readily accepts new admissions and emergency assignments as requested.
8. Maintains knowledge of state and federal regulations and ACHC standards (if applicable).
9. Participates in the QAPI program.
10. Observes safety hazards in the patient’s and organization’s environments and takes appropriate steps to reduce or eliminate them.
11. Maintains continuing education through academic studies, seminars, and workshops.
12. Attends and participates in in-services, staff meetings, and patient care conferences.
13. Completes all documentation in an accurate and legible manner.
14. Complies with hospice policies and procedures, laws and regulations, and standards of practice.