Hospice Nurse RN - Home Hospice

About the role

The Hospice RN assumes patient care responsibilities for individual patients including: Completing comprehensive physical assessment, pain assessment and management, symptom control management as it relates to terminal illness, coordination of Circle of Life services to the patient/family, completes required documentation (i.e. assessments, care plans, clinical notes, agency tracking forms, etc.). In a timely manner in accordance with COL policies, establishes a therapeutic nursing relationship with the Hospice patient/family/caregivers, provides weekend coverage and may assist during times of excessive nursing absenteeism.

Responsibilities

• Completes comprehensive physical assessment, pain assessment and management, symptom control management as it relates to terminal illness, coordination of Circle of Life services to the patient/family, completes required documentation (i.e. assessments, care plans, clinical notes, agency tracking forms, etc.)
• Establishes a therapeutic nursing relationship with the Hospice patient/family/caregivers
• Provides weekend coverage and assists during times of excessive nursing absenteeism

Requirements

• Current unrestricted AR RN license
• BLS certification
• Strong assessment skills with critical thinking and high level of problem solving within a healthcare facility
• Strong documentation and communication with the ability to stay calm and cope with human suffering/emergencies
• Prefer hospice experience, home health, or acute care nursing experience with computer charting experience

Qualifications

• Assumes primary responsibility for assigned patients and performs all phases of the nursing process
• Communicates with attending physicians, staff members, and other agencies as necessary to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for patients/caregivers
• Educates patients/caregivers regarding hospice philosophy, disease progression, physical components of care, stages of dying, and other aspects of the POC as necessary
• Documents all patient related information according to policies and procedures
• Sets up for IDT meetings to ensure that the POC reflects current patient care needs
• Reviews and updates the POC at least every 60 days per regulatory standards
• Maintains annual clinical competencies
• Identifies patients who may potentially revoke or need to be discharged
• Models prompt and regular attendance
• Demonstrates familiarity with and adheres to policies and procedures, state, federal, and accrediting agency's requirements
• Promotes and maintains respect for rights, privacy, and confidentiality of others

Skills

• Compassion
• Expertise
• Exceptional community care

Benefits

Northwest Arkansas' premiere hospice provider, we operate two beautiful inpatient hospice care facilities and offer outpatient hospice services for Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties. Circle of Life is the largest and most respected hospice in the area, serving the region as a top not-for-profit organization for more than 30 years.