Hospice Nurse

About the role

Swan Hospice is actively seeking Registered Nurses (RN) to join our team in Central New Jersey. We are looking for Full/Part Time on call and Runners. We provide quality hospice care to patients in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and in private homes.

Responsibilities

• Nursing Process
• Utilizes the nursing process to contribute to each patient’s total plan of care.
• Contributes to identifying both active and potential needs of the patient and his/her family, which may affect the plan of care.
• Collaborates with IDT members to provide continuous assessment of assigned patients, interprets findings, initiates appropriate therapeutic actions and evaluates the results of these actions.
• Facilitates and participates in the IDT care conference and contributes to patient care planning.
• Provides nursing interventions and appropriate preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures.
• Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical background and expertise in the specialty area.
• Works in cooperation with family/caregiver and IDT members to meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver.
• Provides appropriate information and explanation to the patient and patient’s family.
• Fulfills productivity requirements on an average daily census basis as determined by acuity level and Administrator.
• Maintains documentation a on a timely basis.
• Affords dietary/nutritional needs of Hospice patient and provides appropriate interventions relative to nutritional intake as the patient’s condition progresses.
• Education
• Acts as a mentor to other personnel by participating in orientation and assisting with field training and in-service education to contractors and referral sources, as needed.
• Participates in formal and informal in-services, and patient care conferences to promote professional growth of all interdisciplinary team members.
• Teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver regarding the progression of the disease process and self-care techniques as appropriate, which includes providing medication, dietary/nutritional counseling support and other instructions as ordered by physician, recognizing and utilizing opportunities for health counseling.
• Supervises Hospice Aides/Homemakers every fourteen (14) days per Medicare Conditions of Participation.
• Evaluates effectiveness of educational experiences and teaching methods in order to promote ongoing professional development of Hospice staff and quality patient outcomes for patients, families and caregivers.
• Case Management
• Manages all patients assigned to his/her primary caseload by utilizing the following methods:
• Efficiency
• Manages daily visits and assignments for maximum efficiency.
• Visit frequencies are according to individual patient needs and acuity.
• Visit frequencies are reviewed at least weekly and altered to meet patient needs and acuity.
• Patient care visits are coordinated with all IDT members in order to utilize manpower resources and provide optimal patient care.
• Operations
• Ensures adequate and appropriate inventory of supplies and equipment for the provision of patient services and promotes the efficient use of equipment and supplies.
• Maintains confidentiality in patient related matters.
• Leadership
• Demonstrates behavior appropriate as a role model and leader including adhering to the agency code of conduct.
• Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking ability when participating in IDT conferences, developing patient care plans or completing assigned projects.
• Assumes leadership role to facilitate interdisciplinary care coordination and collaboration.
• Functions without supervision, utilizing time constructively and organizing assignments for maximum productivity.
• Communication
• Introduces self and clarifies role to patient/family/caregiver, physicians, nursing facility staff and other referral sources.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues.
• Communicates effectively with all members of the IDT by: Defending and supporting peer/team decisions and actions.
• Asserting self with tact.
• Supporting collaboration and team decisions/plans.
• Maintaining open communication.
• Offering suggestions and criticisms constructively.
• Asking questions and sharing information during IDT conferences and nursing facility care conferences.
• Relates complete and pertinent information in verbal and written communication.
• Maintains clinical records, statistics, and reports as prescribed and in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with supervisor as well as members of the IDT as evidenced by improved patient outcomes.
• Resource Utilization
• Coordinates travel time for visits and manages a caseload to deliver care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of Hospice reimbursement methodologies.
• Affirms proper maintenance of records per agency guidelines.
• Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive manner.
• Functions independently, but seeks and accepts guidance from other members of the IDT and members of the community, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
• Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Conditions of Participation and agency policies and procedures.
• Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
• Customer Service
• Demonstrates the highest degree of customer awareness by seeking out opportunities to identify and meet the needs of internal and external customers.
• Is receptive to questions and criticism, and willing to offer assistance.
• Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.
• Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement (QAPI)
• Participates in the QAPI process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring and identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and environmental concerns.
• Displays a willingness to utilize problem solving techniques to insure appropriate interventions and resolutions.
• Participates in clinical record review.
• Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited registered nursing program.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year general nursing preferred with current hospice, home health, medical, surgical or critical care experience.
• Experience with pain and symptom management interventions preferred.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary setting.
• Understanding of Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
• Registered Nurse licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Nursing in accordance with N.J.S.A. 45:11-23 et seq. and N.J.A.C 13:37.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with New Jersey state requirements.
• Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.
• Satisfactory criminal background check.