Registered Nurse for Hospice Services

Responsible For

• Provides professional nursing care to Hospice Services patients.
• Identifies patient/family needs and provides supportive care in accordance with the attending physician's orders, plan of care and the Hospice Services policies and procedures.
• Assumes primary responsibility for a Hospice Services patient/family caseload that includes the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process.
• Communicates with attending physicians, other Hospice staff members and other Hospice agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Maintains regular communication with the Patient Care Manager for Hospice Services to review caseload.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning Hospice Services patient/family caseload.
• Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporates that data into the plan of care.
• 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.
• Collaborates with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals within two days of the start of the patient's care and as necessary throughout the provision of service to assure response to the patient/family's changing needs.
• Provides Hospice Services nursing care based on systematic assessment focusing on pain control and symptom management.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels Hospice Services patients/families regarding physical care and other problems related to the patient's terminal condition.
• Provides guidance to Hospice Services patients/families to assist them in preparing for and coping with anticipated physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.
• Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations pertaining to patient care management and services provided in accordance with Hospice Services policy and procedures on the day services are rendered.
• Sets up and maintains a professional relationship with patients and their families.
• Shares in providing 24-hour, seven-day week coverage to Hospice Services patients/families.
• Participates in Hospice Services orientation and in-service training programs for staff.
• Participates in Hospice Services and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of Hospice care.
• Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the Hospice and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which govern the provision of hospice care.
• Promotes the image and reputation of the System by exhibiting servant leadership and providing direct and open lines of communication.
• Contributes to the work of committees, workgroups, project management, and other collaborative efforts of the System.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Currently licensed in good standing to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Georgia.
• No less than six months experience in acute care setting as an RN prior to home care assignment, or experience as required by state regulations.
• Over one years experience as an RN preferred.
• Experience in Home Care or Hospice preferred.
• Current CPR.
• Ability to meet Hospice's conditions of employment regarding health clearance, and provisions of professional references.