Career Opportunities

Hospice Registered Nurse

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Hospice Team Manager, provides nursing services in accordance with accepted standards of nursing practice that support the philosophy, mission and purpose of hospice.

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Actively collaborates with IDG in establishing, maintaining and updating an individual written plan of care for each Hospice patient.
   1. All treatment protocols and interventions are outlined in the plan of care and are consistent with the philosophy, mission and purpose of the organization.
   2. The plan of care is utilized as a guide for all patient care visits and is updated per Agency policy.

2. Provide skilled nursing care to Hospice patients and families within the scope of accepted nursing standard of practice.
   1. Perform a comprehensive initial assessment of the patient’s disease process and/or co-morbidity factors, including medical history, medication and allergy history, patient’s symptoms, pain rating and psychosocial assessment. Complete all documentation in accordance with regulations and Agency policy and procedure.
   2. Perform on-going assessment of patient’s disease process and updates the plan of care as necessary in consultation with the physician and other members of the IDG.
   3. Assess the ability of the caregiver to meet the patient’s immediate needs.
   4. Provide direct nursing care based on hospice standards and clearly defined treatment protocols.
   5. Perform ongoing assessment of the impact of the terminal diagnosis on the patient’s physical, functional, psychosocial and environmental needs and activities of daily living.
   6. Coordinate care with other healthcare providers, including spiritual counselor, medical social worker, bereavement services and rehab services as appropriate.
   7. Provides direct and indirect supervision of Home Health Aides as required by regulation.
   8. Refer the patient/family to community resources as appropriate.
   9. Completes visits within Agency guidelines.
      

3. Provides ongoing education and consultation on patient care issues.
   1. Explain to the patient/family the palliative care focus of Hospice at time of admission of service.
   2. Educate the patient/family regarding the disease process, self-care techniques, end-of-life issues and the process for resolution of care and complaint issues.
   3. Collaborate with other staff members regarding patient needs and issues as necessary.

4. Participate in the Hospice Quality Improvement Program.
   1. Assist in identifying areas of concern.
   2. Assist in the development of plans of correction and integrate recommendations into the staff’s daily functions.
   3. Participate in chart audits at Utilization Review meetings or as directed by Manager.
   4. Complete incident reports for adverse events in accordance with Agency policy.

5. Participate in community education efforts to promote the hospice philosophy of care and to improve general community and professional
   understanding of hospice services.
   1. Participates in education of skilled nursing facilities and other community health care providers.
   2. Present in-services upon request.

6. Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
   1. Resolve any complaints that fall within scope of authority in a prompt and professional manner. Refer the complaint to a Hospice Team Manager or the Hospice Director as appropriate.
   2. Complete service complaint reports, consistent with Agency policy.
   3. Maintain positive relationship with patients, families, referral sources, the general public and staff.
   4. Conduct all communication with internal and external customers in a professional manner.
   5. Maintain excellent verbal communication with staff and management team.

7. Participate in Agency staff development training.
   1. Attend all required in-services pertaining to job responsibilities.
   2. Complete Agency mandatory annual in-service training.

8. Participate in nursing weekend and on-call rotation schedule.

Reporting Relationships:

1. The Hospice RN reports directly to the Hospice Team Manager.

Specifications:

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Possession of a current RN license in the state of California
2. Strong clinical skills required, with a minimum of one (1) year clinical RN experience. Prefer at least two (2) years of nursing with one year of Hospice experience.
3. Knowledge of regulatory requirements: Conditions of Participation.
4. Above average interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
5. Ability to establish goals and monitor progress against goals.
6. Ability to make quick, sound decisions, utilizing critical thinking skills.
7. Possess strong public relations skills.
8. Ability to handle multiple assignments at the same time with limited supervision.

Physical Requirements:

1. Body Positions: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, pushing, pulling, climbing, and kneeling.
2. Body Movements: Full body dexterity.
3. Body Senses: Must have command of close and distant sight, color perception and hearing.
4. Strength: Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
   

Working Environment:

1. Partial time spent working in an office, where the climate is controlled.
2. Travel by car to patients’ homes, where the employee does not have control over how the climate is regulated.
3. OSHA exposure category:
   Category I – Position includes tasks that involve exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.
   Category II – Position includes tasks that do not have exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens, however employment may require unplanned Category I tasks.
   Category III – Positions includes tasks that do not involve exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens.  This position would not be required to perform Category I tasks.