Registered Nurse - RN - Hospice

The RN is a professional registered nurse who functions as a primary nurse and has responsibility and accountability for quality nursing care in assessing, planning, implementing, educating and evaluating a designated group of patients. The RN is responsible for providing skilled professional nursing care to assigned terminally ill patients in their place of residence, as prescribed by the physician and in compliance with the standards of the Missouri Nurse Practice Act and the policies of St. Luke's Hospice. Principle Accountabilities: I. Assessment Planning: A.Demonstrates the ability to appropriately assess the patient by: Admission assessment and history started at initial contact and completed within 24\-48 hours of admission. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in Hospice setting where patient/family/caregivers is requiring care. Provides professional skilled nursing care to terminally ill patients which includes initial nursing assessment, ongoing assessment of patient/family/caregivers for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs and reporting to physicians when appropriate. Assists patient/family/caregivers with issues related to death and dying. Performs procedures and treatments using proper techniques and complies with standard nursing policies and procedures. Uses equipment properly to administer prescribed treatments B. Documentation: Prepares current and accurate records showing treatments, teaching and training observations, patient responses in accordance with St. Luke's Hospice policy and procedures. The nurse may accept verbal and telephone orders from the physician involving any changes in original treatment plan, but they must be followed with written orders. C. Paperwork: Completes paperwork and record in a timely manner. Efficient with time, charting and reporting off to next shift. II. Interdisciplinary Team \& Plan of Care: A. Develops plan of care in collaboration with physician's orders and interdisciplinary team. Establishes realistic and measurable goals, updating them when necessary. Evaluates plan of care frequently. Consults with physician, patient and interdisciplinary team regarding coordination of treatment, goal development and response to treatment. B. Identifies need for other disciplines. C. Attends and participates in interdisciplinary team meetings. Performs supervisory visits, and maintains supervision over assignment sheet. III. Communication/Education: A. Communicates with the patient's physician obtaining and implementing orders for medication and treatment changes \- particularly in relation to pain management as prescribed. Instructs and explains plan of care to patient and family/caregivers, teaching as needed. Instructs and encourages patient efforts toward self\-sufficiency and optimal comfort care. B. Uses additional services when appropriate. IV. Safety A. Maintains clean, safe environment while performing tasks. B Identifies and reports any safety needs or unsafe conditions. V. Other Job Related Duties A. Participates in QI (Quality Improvement) activities. B.Participates in in\-services, committees, workshops and seminars and other continuing education. C Observes Policy and Procedures. D. Maintains proper dress code and personal hygiene. E. Has flexible work habits, and interacts effectively with others. F. Participates in on call rotation. G. Practices cost containment with time and supplies. H. Assists Bereavement with phone calls, filing and bereavement visits when needed. I. Assists with chart audits at St. Luke's Hospice when needed. Performs other work duties as assigned Scheduling Expectations: Employee is expected to work a set Monday through Friday schedule unless an emergency occurs. Employee is expected to take turns in the On Call rotation on the weekdays and weekends. Employee is expected to give enough notice for vacations to be granted. It is required to give at least a 2 hours notice when calling in sick when at all possible. In the event of an emergency please notify your supervisor immediately. Flexibility in shift, or day of week may be necessary to meet the 24 hour day, 7 day per week operation. Maintains acceptable attendance record per facility policy Meets annual compliance guidelines: Maintains confidentiality and support the basic right of privacy Attends annual compliance training Demonstrates safe workplace behaviors for self, co\-workers and patients Uses appropriate body mechanics Use of facility provided safety devices/equipment Attends annual safely training Completes annual Employee Health requirements (PPD, etc.) Provides Patient Education Provides information and education to patients, families and visitors as appropriate to position Employee is required to walk continuously and sit occasionally. Employee must lift/carry a light (1\-20 lbs.) medium (21\-50 lbs.) load occasionally and heavy (50lbs. \+) load frequently. Employee may be required to lift over 100 lbs. with assistance. Employee is frequently required to bend, squat, crawl, kneel, climb, lift waist to overhead. Employee is occasionally required to reach forward and reach overhead. For repetitive action, employee is required to perform simple grasping and pushing/pulling. Employee is occasionally exposed to electrical hazards and CRT terminal work. Verbal and cognitive ability, as well as motor coordination and manual dexterity are required. Speech, hearing, and near\-visual acuity are required. May be needed to work any shift due to 24\-hour day, 7 days per week operation. May be required to work on other patient care units as needed. Employee is frequently exposed to blood borne pathogens. (Occasionally: 1\-33%, Frequently: 34\-66%, Continuously: 67\-100%) The most significant of duties are included, but this does not exclude occasional work assignments not mentioned or developmental duties. Nursing Degree required