JOB SUMMARY:

To provide nursing care to the terminally ill Hospice patient as needed. To provide assistance and understanding to the family in the home care situation and in time of bereavement.

To work as a member of the Hospice team in providing Hospice care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Educational/Degree:           Graduate from an accredited school of nursing

Training/Licensure:             Currently licensed as a registered nurse to practice in the state.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability:     Ability to work independently, make accurate, and at times,

                                            quick judgments. Ability to supervise others appropriately.

                                            Ability to respond appropriately to crisis outside of a hospital

                                            setting.  Acceptance of and adaptability to different social,

                                            racial, cultural and religious modes.

                                            Completes Hospice training program.

Experience:                         Minimum 2 years of experience as a registered nurse, preferred.  

                                            Active patient contact within past three years, preferred.

 Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

1. Regularly assesses and reassesses the nursing needs of the Hospice patient.

2. Provides dietary counseling.

3. Provides Hospice nursing services, treatments and preventive procedures.

4. Initiates nursing procedures appropriate for the patient’s Hospice care and safety.

5. Observes signs and symptoms and reports to the physician and IDG members any

    unexpected changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition.

6. Teaches, supervises and counsels the Hospice patient and family members about

    providing care for the patient.

7. Supervises and trains other nursing service personnel.

8. Develops and re-evaluates the patient/family care plan in conjunction with IDG to meet

    needs and maintain continuity of care.

9. Performs specific nursing procedures as needed (e.g., treatments, management of

    symptoms) following doctor’s orders.

10. Attends team conferences, IDG if applicable, and in-services, as scheduled.

11. Maintains records as required by Hospice.

12. Follows the policies and procedures of Hospice. Observes confidentiality and safeguards

     all patient-related information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

13. Always communicates to the supervisor if unable to meet a patient’s need or perform a

     procedure.

14. Participates in an on-call system and is responsible for providing on-call coverage when

     unavailable for assigned duties.

15. Maintain skills and knowledge.

16. Works with interdisciplinary group concepts of patient care.

17. Coordinates the implementation of the plan of care for patients residing in Home, SNF,

     LTC or AL.

18. Organizes work schedule and utilizes time management to be able to attend all required

     meetings.

19. Complies with agency infection control policies and protocols.

20. Assist with orientation, teaching and training as requested.

21. Takes on-call duty, nights, weekends and holidays as assigned.

22. Other duties as assigned by the Administrator/Director of Clinical Services.