Duties and Responsibilities
- Implement interventions identified in the plan of care to provide symptom control and quality of life for patients
- Assure ongoing assessment and revisions to patients’ plans of care
- Teach patient, family and/or staff on caring for the patient, including but not limited to:
- Managing symptoms
- Medications, including safe use and storage of narcotics
- Turning and position
- The dying process
- Assess patient, family and/or staff comprehension and ability to provide appropriate care
- Promote communication through all levels of patient care including with physicians, interdisciplary consultations and daily on-all report
- Act as a member of the interdisciplinary team and collaborate with the team in the development and updating of the care plan
- Use ongoing data to routinely evaluate patient/family needs and assessments, interventions and outcomes and communicates these changes with the interdisciplinary team
- Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures
- Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training
- Take on-call shifts each month (M-F shift is 4 pm to 8 am the following morning, Sat and Sun shifts are 8 am to 8 am)
- Minimum expectation – 6 days per month, including two weekend days
- In times of staffing shortages and as needed, RNs are expected to take additional oncall shifts sufficient to ensure equitable distribution of oncall among all team members.
- Complete new patient admissions
- Provide supervision to Home Health Aids and to LPN’s who may be providing skilled nursing functions
- Participate in staff training and educational programs related to the Compliance Plan and to adhere to the organization’s Standards of Conduct
- Maintain professionalism in all encounters and communications with patient, family and co-workers
- Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises
- Perform other task and duties as required
Qualifications
- Currently licensed to practice as Registered Professional Nurse in New York State
- 2-years’ experience in acute care setting preferred
- Valid New York State driver’s license
Additional Skills/Abilities Requirements
- Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality and professional conduct;
- Strong communication skills including listening, verbal and written;
- Ability to work in a team setting, collaborate with others and adapt to a changing environment, while balancing priorities;
- Adhere to mission, vision, values, operating principles and strategic priorities;
- Must be proficient with electronic medical records;
- Ability to complete daily documentation/timesheets, etc., and other work in a timely manner with limited supervision.
Job Specific Competencies
- Clinical Judgment
Demonstrates critical thinking, analysis and critical judgment in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through use of the nursing process to address the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patients and families.
- Advocacy and Ethics
Incorporates ethical principles and professional standards in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; as well as identifying and advocating for the wishes and preferences of patients and families.
- Professional Conduct
Demonstrates, knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the professional standards, code of ethics, and scope of practice for hospice, palliative nursing, while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Collaboration
Actively promotes dialogue with patients and families, the healthcare team and community to address and plan for issues related to living with, and/or dying from life-limiting, progressive illnesses.
- Systems Thinking and Action
Utilizes resources necessary to enhance quality of life for patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through knowledge and navigation within the healthcare system.
- Cultural Competence
Demonstrates cultural competence by respecting and honoring the unique diversity and characteristics of patients, families, and colleagues in hospice/palliative care.
- Facilitator of Learning
Facilitates learning for patient, family, self, members of the healthcare team and community through the development, implementation and evaluation of formal and informal education related to living with, and/or dying from a life-limiting, progressive illness.
- Communication
Demonstrates the use of effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with patients, families, members of the healthcare team and community in order to therapeutically address and accurately convey the hospice/palliative care needs of patients and families.
Physical Requirements
- Position involves moving and lifting patients, and carrying light loads and supplies with or without assistance.
- Position requires a moderate-to-high level of independent judgment in performing responsibilities.
Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards
This position works in contact with risks associated with blood- and air-borne pathogens and needle-sticks. Care must be taken to follow all health and safety requirements.