Registered Nurse-Hospice

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse-Hospice is responsible for the planning, coordinating, providing and documenting care for terminally ill patients from day of admission through day of discharge.  Utilizing physicians' orders and professional skills, the Registered Nurse-Hospice develops and implements a hospice plan that meets each patient's specific needs and is in compliance with accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations, reimbursement guidelines as well as the organization's policies and procedures.

Graduate from an accredited and approved school of nursing accepted for licensure in the state of practice is required.

Bachelor's Degree in nursing is preferred.

Valid drivers license, automobile insurance and own transportation to make home visits is required.

Prior experience in home health or hospice is preferred.

1 year acute nursing experience is preferred.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of practice is required.

Wisconsin:  RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN license as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.

Organized, reliable, and be able to perform job with little direct supervision.

Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to all patients/family served.

Demonstrates excellent customer service skills through telephone, personal and/or written communication.

Ability to work in a variety of settings including the patient’s home.

Ability to travel outdoors in diverse temperatures, weather, and road conditions.

Demonstrates competence in computer systems and applications required for the role.

Performs physical and psychosocial assessment on all hospice patients. Responds to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families.  Offers ongoing support and palliative care.

Performs all aspects of patient care considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age and clinical condition in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Develops, initiates, re-evaluates and updates as necessary the written plan of care on all hospice patients.

Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain.  Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques.  Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and patient’s clinical condition.

Understands Hospice philosophy and issues of death and dying.

Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient’s needs dictate.

Supervises Hospice Aides on every other week basis at minimum.

Provides coordination of care with interdisciplinary group, initiating needed referrals to other disciplines and/or community resources.

Initiates case conferences to discuss multidisciplinary team responsibilities, pain management, bereavement counseling, new problems, etc.

Adheres to all organization, payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.

Participates in the organization’s other mandated activities, i.e., in services, UR/PI committee, staff meetings.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Clinical

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Positions in this category may experience wet

conditions in his/her work environment

Noise

X

Positions in this category may experience a higher

noise level in his/her work environment.

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other