Clinical Support Registered Nurse - Harrisburg

Your Career at Hospice…

Choices Healthcare provides quality care to our patients and families so they can live better at end of life. We are able to support hundreds of individuals in our community each day because of our incredible staff. Whether in a clinical role or supporting the organization behind the scenes, your career at Choices Healthcare/Hospice of Central PA makes a meaningful difference to patients and families.

 

JOB SUMMARY

Triages calls to the 24-hour phone number, assists with obtaining necessary medication, equipment and supplies and medical care as requested. Works in collaboration with Team Leaders and Director as a resource to the clinical staff across all settings, supports and enhances the organization mission and philosophy, promoting excellence in end-of-life care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides immediate response to all incoming calls. 

Triages calls assessing pain and symptoms, physical needs, and disease progression.

Provides direction to the caller or coordinates necessary follow-up, prioritizing for those with uncontrolled pain/symptoms and imminent death.

Alerts IDT of visit need for new symptom, death, or crisis.

Supports clinical field staff through internal coordination of support services and collaborative consultation.

Follows up after hour calls/visits/client issues and concerns as requested.

Demonstrates thorough knowledge and application of current palliative care protocols for symptom management.

Supports the initiation of medication orders through timely notification to contracted pharmacy.

Obtains refills, renewals, new and revised orders for medication and treatments at the request of the assessing RN.

Assists the IDT to manage new orders, reduce conflicting orders, unnecessary after-hours orders, and polypharmacy. Assures that all orders are current and congruent with the plan of care.

Documents in an accurate and concise manner on the day the service was provided, supporting the limited prognosis, the level of care, changes to the Plan of Care, disease progression and care needs.

Maintains electronic patient records.

Communicates effectively with organizational staff, physicians, patients, families, nursing home staff, outside contractors, community agencies.

Provides education to patients and caregivers regarding diagnosis, care, treatments, medications, and end of life expectations in a method or manner that they understand to equip them with the information they need to feel confident in the plan of care.

Honors and respects the customs, choices, needs and goals of each patient and family.

Understands reimbursement and payer source implications to the plan of care and utilizes resources wisely and effectively.

Maintains a safe environment by utilizing and adhering to safe work policies and practices.

Attends all mandatory meetings and educational programs and participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities as assigned.

Assists with the orientation of new staff and visiting professionals.

Assists in program planning for organizational, community groups, and visiting professionals.

 

RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ORGANIZATION:

Acts to ensure that quality, integrity, and professionalism are valued and maintained and adheres to organizational expectations for professional conduct.

Works to assure compliance with organizational policies and procedures, state and federal regulations, and the requirements of certifying and accrediting bodies.

Maintains the confidentiality of the patients, families, caregivers, employees, and organizational information.

Recognizes individual role as a representative of the organizational and conveys a positive organizational image.

Promotes awareness of Hospice of Central PA and performs in a manner that instills confidence in all programs, services, and activities.

Identifies professional development needs and seeks opportunities to maintain and enhance knowledge.

Promotes and contributes to a positive work environment.

Performs other related functions as assigned.

Maintains regular and timely attendance.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Registered Nurse licensed in Pennsylvania; BSN preferred. Minimum of two years medi­cal/surgical nursing experience required with Hospice, oncology and/or public health experience preferred.

Able to communicate verbally and in writing in the English language and to work cooperatively with other staff.

Must have working knowledge of computer-based programs and have the ability to learn and navigate our computer system.

Must provide own transportation and be able to lo