Job Description for a Hospice Registered Nurse
Courtesy of Hospice Care of Nebraska
JOB CODE: 2604
JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse
REPORTS TO: Patient Care Coordinator
GENERAL PURPOSE: To provide nursing assessment, planning and care to maximize the comfort and health
of patients and families in accordance with the interdisciplinary plan of care. Supports the Provider Relations activities of the organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
PLAN OF CARE:
Duties: Receives patient assignments from the Patient Care Coordinator. Assumes responsibility for a patient/family that includes assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care. Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate that data into the plan of care.
COMMUNICATING PATIENT CARE:
Duties: 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 regular communication with the Patient Care Coordinator to review care. Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care. Attends the Hospice Team Meetings and other patient conferences as deemed necessary by the Patient Care Coordinator.
MAINTAINS PATIENT RECORDS:
Duties: 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.
COORDINATING PHYSICAL CARE:
Duties: Accepts responsibility for coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers, employed caregivers, or by providing directed care as appropriate.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE:
Duties: Instructs the patient and caregiver: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.
FAMILY/PATIENT SUPPORT:
Informs the Patient Care Coordinator of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues. Provides appropriate support at time of death. Shares in providing 24-hour seven-days-a-week coverage to patients and families.
HOME HEALTH AIDE:
Duties: Makes home health aide assignments, prepares written instructions for the aide and supervises the aide in the home.
CONTINUING ED:
Duties: Participates in hospice orientation and ongoing education programs.
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS:
Duties: Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the hospice and state(s) and federal regulations pertaining to nursing services.
OTHER DUTIES: Participates on committees, special projects and other related duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL & SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:
(WITH OR WITHOUT MECHANICAL DEVICES)
Mobility, reaching, bending, lifting, talking, fingering, sitting, carrying, standing, grasping, fine hand coordination, ability to hear, ability to read and write, and ability to remain calm under stress.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Registered nurse currently licensed in the state(s).
- Previous experience in hospice, home health, geriatrics or general medical/surgical nursing.
- Demonstrated commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
- Must be able to relate professionally and positively to corporate staff and to work cooperatively with other associates at all levels.
- Must have 24-hour access to a motor vehicle and maintain personal auto liability insurance coverage.
- Must have a current driver's license.
- Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.
- Must meet all local health regulations, pass post-offer drug test, and pass post-employment physical exam, if required.
- Must be capable of performing the essential job functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
JOB DESCRIPTION REVIEW: I understand this job description and its requirements and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned. I understand the job functions may be altered from time to time.
I have noted below any accommodations that are required to enable me to perform these duties. I have also noted below any job responsibilities or functions which I am unable to perform, with or without accommodation.
____________________
Associate's Signature Date
_________________________________ ____________________
Supervisor or Orientation Leader Signature Date
cc: Personnel File
Individual Associate
Compiled by the Lincoln/Greater Nebraska Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 1999.