PURPOSE OF POSITION:
As a vital member of the interdisciplinary team, the Hospice RN provides skilled nursing care, supportive care, and pain and symptom management to maximize comfort and quality of life for Hospice patients and their families. Hospice RN's providing care to patients in both homes and facilities.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participates in inter-disciplinary patient case conferences as needed.
2. Utilizes critical thinking skills to assess patients and assess critical changes and respond appropriately in all situations.
3. Utilizes organizational skills to manage time efficiently and prioritize differing patient needs and stages of health.
4. Demonstrates excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
5. Interact efficiently and compassionately with patients, their families, co-workers and management.
6. Provide patient care with a compassionate and caring attitude.
7. Notifies MD/other involved care providers of significant changes in the patient's condition.
8. Completes admission and other paperwork on a timely basis.
9. Records narrative documentation to reflect skilled care. Documentation is clear, concise and addresses specifics of teaching, direct care and response of patient / caregiver.
10. Obtains and clarifies valid MD orders for all care delivered.
11. Ensures completion of Admission paperwork by 9am of next business day at the latest.
12. Adheres to standards of nursing set forth by the American Nurses Association and demonstrates an understanding of the hospice philosophy of care, policies, policies and practices set forth by the VNA Hospice.
13. Explains philosophy, purpose scope and role of hospice care to patient/family and or nursing home staff and is able to assess and admit patients as needed.
14. Implements the Plan of Care under the direction of the attending physician, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
15. Supervises Hospice Aides every 14 days per regulations.
16. Assists in orientation of new staff by acting as a mentor when requested.
17. Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by manager.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING :
Successful passage of VNA pre-hire medication test
Current RN license in Massachusetts and other related credentials to meet specialty.
One (1) year of nursing experience required or six (6) months of Nursing experience with a BSN.
Hospice Home Care experience, IV Certification, Computer skills and BSN preferred.