RN, Scranton Hospice Center (PT, Nights, every other weekend)

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Clinical Director, the Registered Nurse oversees the care of patients in the General Inpatient Hospice Unit. Provides skilled professional nursing care to patients, their families, and caregivers as prescribed by the physician, in compliance with the Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation, Pennsylvania Hospice licensure laws, and agency policies and procedures.

Responsibilities include conducting the initial and comprehensive nursing assessment of patient needs, collaborating to develop the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) plan of care, implementing and revising the plan of care, and working closely with other IDT members to ensure all patient and family care needs are met. Provides supervision to Hospice LPNs, Aides, and Volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled professional nursing care to hospice patients, families, and caregivers.
• Conduct initial and comprehensive nursing assessments of patient needs.
• Collaborate with the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to develop and revise the plan of care.
• Implement the plan of care and reevaluate it based on patient nursing needs.
• Ensure all patient and family care needs are met through close collaboration with IDT members.
• Supervise Hospice LPNs, Aides, and Volunteers.
• Adhere to Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation, Pennsylvania Hospice licensure laws, and agency policies.
• Maintain accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.
• Utilize problem-solving techniques to ensure appropriate interventions and resolutions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, caregivers, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program (Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred).
• Current license as a Registered Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners.
• Minimum of two years of general nursing experience.
• Hospice experience required; experience with pain and symptom management interventions preferred.
• Understanding of Hospice philosophy and principles of death/dying.
• Ability to work within an interdisciplinary setting.
• Cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.
• Valid PA driver’s license and available transportation during all working hours.
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) certification preferred.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when necessary.
• Professional attitude and demeanor with strong customer service focus.
• Optimism, enthusiasm, and willingness to collaborate with healthcare team members.
• Sufficient visual and hearing ability to comprehend written and verbal communication.
• Manual dexterity for writing, keyboarding, and telephone operation.
• Ability to manage stress effectively.

Physical Demands

• Medium Work: Exerting 25 to 50 lbs. of force occasionally (10-33% of shift), and/or 10-25 lbs. of force frequently (33-66% of the time), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 lbs. of force constantly.
• Involves bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting (occasionally in strained positions) throughout the shift.
• Ability to transport self throughout the facility and travel to patient homes if necessary.

Working Conditions

• Works in a state-of-the-art hospice inpatient unit.
• May work in varying conditions in patient homes (where conditions may be less than desirable).
• Occasional exposure to blood and body substances; possible exposure to needle sticks.