SUMMARY

 Responsible for identifying patient/family needs and for providing supportive care in accordance with the attending physician’s orders, plan of care and the Hospice’s policies and procedures.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assumes primary responsibility for a patient/family caseload that includes the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process.
• Initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Assesses the patient initially no greater than 48 hours of admission order and collaborates with the other Interdisciplinary Group disciplines and others as needed toward the Comprehensive Assessment within 5 calendar days of the election of the patient for Hospice Care.
• Maintains regular communication with the Patient Care Manager to review caseload.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family caseload.
• Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporates that data into the plan of care.
• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Collaborates with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals within two days of the start of the patient’s care and as necessary throughout the provision of service to assure response to the patient/family’s changing needs.
• Provides Hospice nursing care based on systematic assessment focusing on pain control and symptom management.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels patients/families regarding physical care and other problems related to the patient’s terminal condition.
• Provides guidance to patients/families to assist them in preparing for and coping with anticipated physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.
• Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations pertaining to patient care management and services provided in accordance with Hospice policy and procedures on the day services are rendered. Submits documentation in a timely manner
• Meets regularly with Hospice nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.
• Participates in IDG conference and facilitates discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.
• Supervises the aide and the hospice aide plan of care every fourteen (14) days and documents such supervision. If concerns are noted, observes the aide onsite providing care. If concerns are ongoing, reports to the Director of Hospice of the need to repeat a competency evaluation with Aide.
• Informs the Director of Hospice of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Assumes role of associate nurse when responding to patients/families of other primary nurses during on-call time, or when requested by the Director of Hospice to fill patient/family needs during the absence of another Primary Care Nurse.
• Shares in providing 24-hour, seven-day week coverage to patients/families.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death and period of bereavement.
• Participates in Hospice’s orientation and in-service training programs for staff.
• Participates in Hospice and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.
• Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the Hospice and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which govern the provision of hospice care.
• Supports and implements Hospice policies regarding patient/family care.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Currently licensed in good standing to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Georgia.
• Must have no less than six months experience in acute care setting as an RN prior to home care assignment, or experience as required by state regulations. Over one years experience as an RN preferred. Experience in Home Care or Hospice preferred.
• Ability to meet Hospice’s conditions of employment regarding health clearance, and provisions of professional references.
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CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must be a registered nurse currently licensed in the State of Georgia with at least one year of nursing experience preferred.

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