Job Summary

As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the hospice nurse works under the direction of the Hospice Operations Leader, Practice Director, Medical Director, and the attending physician in the provision of nursing assessment, planning and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. Works closely with all members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians and area agencies.
 

Job Responsibilities

• Receives patient assignments from the Operations Leader or Hospice Coordinator.
• Focus communications on patient/customer care, business operations, and/or topics to create a positive work environment.
• Assumes responsibility for a patient/family that includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care.
• Initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Maintains communication with the Operations Leader or designee to review care.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care.
• Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate that into the plan of care.
• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Accepts responsibility for coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary care givers, volunteers, employed care givers, or by providing direct care as appropriate.
• Instructs the patient and care giver:

• How to administer medication and recognize side effects.
• How to perform personal care and oral hygiene.
• How to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation and exercise.
• How to prepare for the events preceding death.

• Informs the Operations Leader/or designee of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Attends the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team meetings and other patient conferences as deemed necessary.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death.
• Shares in providing 24-hour seven-day a week coverage to patients and families.
• Participates in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.
• Performs other related duties and special projects.
• Provides general information and one-on-one education to Nursing Home facilities staff concerning hospice service, terminal care and Hospice/Nursing Home facilities working relationships.
• Protects the confidentiality of patient/family information at all times.
• Serves as a patient advocate, proactively working to identify and resolve patient concerns while practicing within FHN policies and procedures.
• Understand and able to perform functions related to computer programs, telecommunication equipment, and other technology.
• Participates in activities to support FHN's mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
• Serves as a mentor or preceptor to coworkers displaying a positive nursing image and promoting a positive educational experience.
• Displays competency for the Registered Nurse - Hospice role as evidenced in the annual performance appraisal following the FHN PRIDE Standards.
• Supervises LPN's, CNA's, and volunteers.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Required Experience: At least one year of recent acute care/hospice experience with demonstrated commitment to hospice philosophy of care.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• BLS Certification
• Current licensure as a R