Responsible for working autonomously but in collaboration with physicians to deliver medical care to hospice patients.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Provides advanced practice nursing services by managing acute and chronic conditions.
- Develops treatment plans for patients at home and possible other resident settings.
- Performs on-site services for assessment in residential settings as needed.
- 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.
- Works closely with health care agencies to coordinate medical care.
- 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
- Participates in IDG conference and facilitates discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complies with the Corporate Compliance program.
- Complies with the organization's Privacy & Security procedures.
- Promotes the image and reputation of the System by exhibiting servant leadership and providing direct and open lines of communication.
- Contributes to the work of committees, workgroups, project management, and other collaborative efforts of the System.
- Performs other duties as necessary to ensure the success of the System.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES- Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings and to cope with emotional stress.
- Must be able to function in a practice environment with minimal direct supervision, accepting personal responsibility for maintaining a professional relationship with patients and their families.
- Must accept responsibility for maintaining clinical practice skills, learning and adhering to Hospice's policies and procedures on an on-going basis
- Extensive knowledge of healthcare and long-term care organizations and their structure.
- Ability to effectively communicate and present information in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, department heads, administrators, member organization presidents and their leadership teams, and the general public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Graduate of Masters or Doctoral Nurse Practitioner Program that meets the standards of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
- Previous experience and education in palliative care preferred.
- Ability to meet Hospice's conditions of employment regarding health clearance, and provisions of professional references.
