EDUCATION:
Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program required.
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Has minimum of one (2) year general nursing experience. Hospice experience required.
Experience with pain and symptom management interventions preferred.
Ability to work within an interdisciplinary setting.
Understanding of Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a current license as a Registered Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners required.
Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.
Valid PA driver’s license and available transportation during all working hours required.
Maintains regular attendance.
Functions independently, but seeks and accepts guidance from other members of the IDT and members of the community, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
Demonstrates the highest degree of customer awareness by seeking opportunities to identify and meet the needs of internal and external customers.
Treats each person as an individual with respect and dignity.
Is receptive to questions and criticism, and willing to offer assistance.
Demonstrates genuine concern and empathy.
Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.
Displays a willingness to utilize problem-solving techniques to ensure appropriate interventions and resolutions.
Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, co-workers and all others.
Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and employees.
Interacts with all staff in a positive fashion supporting the mission and vision of the organization.
Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
Needs excellent verbal communication skills.
Able to effectively manage stress.
Possess Manual dexterity sufficient for writing, keyboarding and telephone operation
Must maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Consistently performs all of the above in a friendly, courteous manner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Medium Work: duties require exerting 25 to 50 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift), and/or 10-25lbs. of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time), and/or greater than negligible amount up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects.
Position involves bending, reaching, stooping and lifting (occasionally in strained position) throughout shift. Ability to transport self throughout facility is required. Must be able to travel to patient’s homes if necessary.
ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:
Occasional exposure to blood and body substances.
Exposure to needle sticks possible.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Works in a state-of-the-art hospice inpatient unit. May work in varying conditions in patient homes (where conditions may be less than desirable).
Required Skills
Under the supervision of the Clinical Director, the Registered Nurse oversees the care of patients in the General Inpatient Hospice Unit and provides skilled professional nursing care to them, their families and caregivers as prescribed by the physician and in compliance with the Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation, Pennsylvania Hospice licensure laws and agency policies and procedures. Provides the initial assessment and comprehensive nursing assessment of patient needs and collaborates to develop the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) plan of care. Implements the plan of care and reevaluates and revises the plan of care relative to the patient’s nursing needs to provide appropriate, comprehensive and responsive goals and interventions. Works closely with other members of the IDT to ensure all patient and family care needs are being met. Provides supervision to Hospice LPNs/Aides/Volunteers.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function | | effectively in the Hospice setting where the patient/family/caregiver is | | receiving care. | | | | Conducts initial assessment, including physical, emotional and | | psychosocial aspects, of patient/family/caregiver in a thorough, | | accurate, compassionate and timely fashion. | | | | Utilizes the nursing body of knowledge to provide leadership and | | guidance to the IDT in formulating and individualizing the | | interdisciplinary plan of care to include problem identification, | | interventions and goals to address palliative comfort measures for the | | terminally ill patient, family and caregiver. | | | | Contributes to identifying both active and potential needs of the | | patient and his/her family, which may affect the plan of care. | | | | Consistently collaborates with the physician to plan and implement the | | medical and nursing plan of care. | | | | Reviews the nursing component of the comprehensive interdisciplinary | | plan of care with the IDT. Communicates in writing in the clinical | | record and verbally with the IDT to coordinate interventions and ensure | | continuity of care. | | | | Facilitates and participates in the IDT care conference and contributes | | to patient care planning. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Provides nursing interventions and appropriate preventative | | and therapeutic nursing procedures | | | | Collaborates with IDT members to provide continuous assessment of | | assigned patients; interprets findings, initiates appropriate | | therapeutic actions and evaluates the results of these actions. | | | | Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure | | only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical | | background and expertise in the specialty area. | | | | Works in cooperation with family/caregiver and IDT members to meet the | | physical and emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Provides appropriate information and explanation to the patient and | | patient’s family. | | | | Facilitates patient and family education to promote continuity of care | | and optimal patient/family outcomes for quality of life as defined by | | the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Demonstrates expertise in the utilization of all IDT members including | | volunteers and community resources. | | | | Fulfills productivity requirements on an average daily census basis as | | determined by acuity level and Executive Director. | | | | Documents accurate, complete and relevant clinical notes regarding | | patient’s condition and care given. Maintains documentation on a timely | | basis. | | | | Assesses the dietary/nutritional needs of Hospice patient and provides | | appropriate interventions relative to nutritional intake as the | | patient’s condition progresses | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Acts as a mentor to other personnel by participating in | | orientation and assisting, as needed, with field training and inservice | | education to contractors and referral sources. | | | | Participates in formal and informal inservices and patient care | | conferences to promote professional growth of all interdisciplinary team | | members. | | | | Teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver regarding the progression | | of the disease process and self-care techniques as appropriate, | | including providing medication, dietary/nutritional counseling support | | and other instructions as ordered by physician, recognizing and | | utilizing opportunities for health counseling. | | | | Supervises Hospice Aides/Homemakers every fourteen (14) days per | | Medicare Conditions of Participation. | | | | Evaluates effectiveness of educational experiences and teaching methods | | in order to promote ongoing professional development of Hospice staff | | and quality patient outcomes for patients, families and caregivers | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% (NE) Manages daily visits and assignments for maximum efficiency. | | | | Bases visit frequencies according to individual patient needs and | | acuity. | | | | Reviews visit frequencies at least weekly and alters to meet patient | | needs and acuity. | | | | Coordinates patient care visits with all IDT members in order to utilize | | manpower resources and provide optimal patient care. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% (NE) Ensures adequate and appropriate inventory of supplies and | | equipment for the provision of patient services, and promotes the | | efficient use of equipment and supplies. | | | | Maintains confidentiality in patient-related matters. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5% (NE) Demonstrates behavior appropriate to a role model and leader, | | including adhering to the agency code of conduct. | | | | Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking ability when participating | | in IDT conferences, developing patient care plans, or completing | | assigned projects. | | | | Assumes leadership role to facilitate interdisciplinary care | | coordination and collaboration. | | | | Functions without supervision, utilizing time constructively and | | organizing assignments for maximum productivity | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5% (NE) Introduces self and clarifies role to | | patient/family/caregiver, physicians, nursing facility staff and other | | referral sources. | | | | Recognizes and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues. | | | | Communicates effectively with all members of the IDT by: | | | | 1. Defending and supporting peer/team decisions and actions. | | 2. Asserting self with tact. | | | | - Supporting collaboration and team decisions/plans. | | | | 1. Maintaining open communication. | | 2. Offering suggestions and criticisms constructively. | | 3. Asking questions and sharing information during IDT conferences and | | nursing facility care conferences. | | | | Relates complete and pertinent information in verbal and written | | communication. Maintains clinical records, statistics, and reports as | | prescribed and in compliance with local, state and federal laws. | | | | Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with supervisor | | as well as members of the IDT as evidenced by improved patient outcomes. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload to | | deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an | | understanding of Hospice reimbursement methodologies. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines. | | Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions | | of Participation and agency policies and procedures. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Participates in the Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement | | (QAPI) process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and | | identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and | | environmental concerns. Participates in clinical record review. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested. | | Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT | | meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities as | | required. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1% (NE) Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, | | conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive | | manner. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1% (NE) Performs other duties as assigned. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
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Required Experience
Under the supervision of the Clinical Director, the Registered Nurse oversees the care of patients in the General Inpatient Hospice Unit and provides skilled professional nursing care to them, their families and caregivers as prescribed by the physician and in compliance with the Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation, Pennsylvania Hospice licensure laws and agency policies and procedures. Provides the initial assessment and comprehensive nursing assessment of patient needs and collaborates to develop the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) plan of care. Implements the plan of care and reevaluates and revises the plan of care relative to the patient’s nursing needs to provide appropriate, comprehensive and responsive goals and interventions. Works closely with other members of the IDT to ensure all patient and family care needs are being met. Provides supervision to Hospice LPNs/Aides/Volunteers.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function | | effectively in the Hospice setting where the patient/family/caregiver is | | receiving care. | | | | Conducts initial assessment, including physical, emotional and | | psychosocial aspects, of patient/family/caregiver in a thorough, | | accurate, compassionate and timely fashion. | | | | Utilizes the nursing body of knowledge to provide leadership and | | guidance to the IDT in formulating and individualizing the | | interdisciplinary plan of care to include problem identification, | | interventions and goals to address palliative comfort measures for the | | terminally ill patient, family and caregiver. | | | | Contributes to identifying both active and potential needs of the | | patient and his/her family, which may affect the plan of care. | | | | Consistently collaborates with the physician to plan and implement the | | medical and nursing plan of care. | | | | Reviews the nursing component of the comprehensive interdisciplinary | | plan of care with the IDT. Communicates in writing in the clinical | | record and verbally with the IDT to coordinate interventions and ensure | | continuity of care. | | | | Facilitates and participates in the IDT care conference and contributes | | to patient care planning. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Provides nursing interventions and appropriate preventative | | and therapeutic nursing procedures | | | | Collaborates with IDT members to provide continuous assessment of | | assigned patients; interprets findings, initiates appropriate | | therapeutic actions and evaluates the results of these actions. | | | | Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure | | only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical | | background and expertise in the specialty area. | | | | Works in cooperation with family/caregiver and IDT members to meet the | | physical and emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Provides appropriate information and explanation to the patient and | | patient’s family. | | | | Facilitates patient and family education to promote continuity of care | | and optimal patient/family outcomes for quality of life as defined by | | the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Demonstrates expertise in the utilization of all IDT members including | | volunteers and community resources. | | | | Fulfills productivity requirements on an average daily census basis as | | determined by acuity level and Executive Director. | | | | Documents accurate, complete and relevant clinical notes regarding | | patient’s condition and care given. Maintains documentation on a timely | | basis. | | | | Assesses the dietary/nutritional needs of Hospice patient and provides | | appropriate interventions relative to nutritional intake as the | | patient’s condition progresses | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Acts as a mentor to other personnel by participating in | | orientation and assisting, as needed, with field training and inservice | | education to contractors and referral sources. | | | | Participates in formal and informal inservices and patient care | | conferences to promote professional growth of all interdisciplinary team | | members. | | | | Teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver regarding the progression | | of the disease process and self-care techniques as appropriate, | | including providing medication, dietary/nutritional counseling support | | and other instructions as ordered by physician, recognizing and | | utilizing opportunities for health counseling. | | | | Supervises Hospice Aides/Homemakers every fourteen (14) days per | | Medicare Conditions of Participation. | | | | Evaluates effectiveness of educational experiences and teaching methods | | in order to promote ongoing professional development of Hospice staff | | and quality patient outcomes for patients, families and caregivers | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% (NE) Manages daily visits and assignments for maximum efficiency. | | | | Bases visit frequencies according to individual patient needs and | | acuity. | | | | Reviews visit frequencies at least weekly and alters to meet patient | | needs and acuity. | | | | Coordinates patient care visits with all IDT members in order to utilize | | manpower resources and provide optimal patient care. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 10% (NE) Ensures adequate and appropriate inventory of supplies and | | equipment for the provision of patient services, and promotes the | | efficient use of equipment and supplies. | | | | Maintains confidentiality in patient-related matters. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5% (NE) Demonstrates behavior appropriate to a role model and leader, | | including adhering to the agency code of conduct. | | | | Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking ability when participating | | in IDT conferences, developing patient care plans, or completing | | assigned projects. | | | | Assumes leadership role to facilitate interdisciplinary care | | coordination and collaboration. | | | | Functions without supervision, utilizing time constructively and | | organizing assignments for maximum productivity | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 5% (NE) Introduces self and clarifies role to | | patient/family/caregiver, physicians, nursing facility staff and other | | referral sources. | | | | Recognizes and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues. | | | | Communicates effectively with all members of the IDT by: | | | | 1. Defending and supporting peer/team decisions and actions. | | 2. Asserting self with tact. | | | | - Supporting collaboration and team decisions/plans. | | | | 1. Maintaining open communication. | | 2. Offering suggestions and criticisms constructively. | | 3. Asking questions and sharing information during IDT conferences and | | nursing facility care conferences. | | | | Relates complete and pertinent information in verbal and written | | communication. Maintains clinical records, statistics, and reports as | | prescribed and in compliance with local, state and federal laws. | | | | Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with supervisor | | as well as members of the IDT as evidenced by improved patient outcomes. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload to | | deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an | | understanding of Hospice reimbursement methodologies. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines. | | Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions | | of Participation and agency policies and procedures. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Participates in the Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement | | (QAPI) process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and | | identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and | | environmental concerns. Participates in clinical record review. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 2% (NE) Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested. | | Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT | | meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities as | | required. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1% (NE) Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, | | conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive | | manner. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 1% (NE) Performs other duties as assigned. | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
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