RN Case Manager

Responsibilities

• Receives patient assignments from the Patient Care Manager or Case Manager.
• Initiates communication with attending physicians, hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Cultivates communication and bereavement skills.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care.
• Contact families of new patient assignment, maintains regular communication as requested or desired by family.
• 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.
• 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.
• Turn paperwork into office as required by Medicare and Good Shepherd Hospice policies and procedures.
• Instructs the patient and caregiver: How to administer medication, recognize side effects, and adverse reactions; 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.
• Informs the Patient Care Manager of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Attends the Hospice team meetings and other patient conferences, including care plan meetings, as deemed necessary by the Patient Care Manager.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death.
• Shares in providing 24-hour, seven days a week coverage to patients and families.
• Evaluates hospice aides every two weeks.
• Evaluate LPN at a minimum of one time per month.
• Through individualized studies, learn and develop understanding of hospice philosophy.
• Become proficient in pain management through individualized reading, in services or seminars.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse currently licensed in the state in which the care is provided.
• Previous experience in hospice, home health, geriatrics or general medical/surgical nursing.
• Demonstrated commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.