Germantown, TN-Registered Nurse- Hope Hospice & Palliative Care

Overview

JOB SUMMARY:

Under physician’s orders, a Registered Nurse is responsible for identifying hospice care needs for providing palliative and supportive care to the terminally ill patients and families. The RN/Case Manager is also involved in the utilization of his/her teachings, assessment, observation, and intervention skills to provide comfort, care, and maximum quality of life to the patient and the family.

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Must be currently licensed (in good standing) in the state where the Hospice Program is located.
• At least one year of work experience as a professional nurse, preferably in an acute care setting.
• Documentation of good physical and emotional health. Able to lift, push, and pull to moderate loads.
• Speaks, writes, reads, and comprehends English.

• Complies with accepted ethical conduct and professional Standards of Nursing Practice as set forth by the American Nurses Association.
• Completes the initial assessment with emphasis on the physical and emotional needs.
• Provides direct care to patients in order to maintain the highest level of comfort and quality of life. Assumes primary responsibilities of his/her individual patients for the physical care of the patients always in conjunction with physician’s orders.
• Works with all disciplines in meeting patient’s total needs.
• Participates in weekend call rotation, as scheduled by the Hospice DON.
• Offers support and energy saving techniques to family members to facilitate stay at home versus institutionalization.
• Assesses patient’s condition and family needs through the collection of health data and the recognition of psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may influence the patient/family plan of care. Re-evaluates client/family needs as required.
• Develops, implements, and revises the nursing plan of care in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) and with consideration for the dignity and desires of the patient.
• Affirms a person’s right to choice and control in decision-making. Presents and discusses options with the client and family and assists them in making informed decisions.
• Initiates and participates in the development of the Plan of Treatment, obtains Physician’s orders, clarifies those orders, and obtains necessary revisions as needed Informs the Physician of changes in patient’s condition and provides written summary reports to the Physician.
• Participates in the bereavement program.
• Completes supervision of nursing care, homemaker/homecare aide assignment sheets, as well as supervision and documenting the plan of care. Assignment sheets are updated every 14 days as needed.
• Completes all forms, records, charts, etc., according to office policy and procedure.
• Exemplifies familiarity with policies of the agency company rules and regulations of state and federal bodies which aid in determining policies.
• Teaches and counsels patient and family members regarding disease process, medication administration and issues related to the terminal illness.
• Maintains detailed records of nursing actions, client progress, and response to therapy and teaching so that care plans can be documented, evaluated, and updated.
• Attends IDG meetings and facilitates full team discussion, consultation, and evaluation of issues concerning the client caseload.
• Accepts accountability for own practice.
• Communicates information effectively to appropriate personnel to facilitate continuity of care.
• Maintains competency by participating in in-service and continuing education programs.
• Reacts to change productively and performs other job-related tasks and duties as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Able to lift, push, and pull light to moderate loads. Moderately heavy physical effort. May occasionally do heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling.

• RN License
• Current Driver’s License
• Current Automobile Liability Insurance According to Company Policy & Procedure