Heartford Hospice Job Descriptions
Job Title/Position: Registered Nurse
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor

Schedule: 10am-7pm (full time M-F OR part time available 2/3 days/wk)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The registered nurse plans, organizes and directs hospice care and is experienced in nursing,
with emphasis on community health education/experience. The professional nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individual and families within their homes and communities.

Overview

• They are open to 1 FT that can cover all of the areas or 2 PT RNs
• They will be covering Oakmont and Ivy Park Senior Living communities primarily and could have some other home patients as well.
• The communities we are looking at are in Torrance, Culver City, Playa Vista, Santa Monica and Palos Verdes.
• Admissions and handle caseload - 6 - 8 admissions per month
• Evaluations, Admissions, visits
• Going into mostly assisted living facilities and some homes
• Assisted Living Facilities have high expectations and good communication is a MUST
• Communicate with aid and social workers but will be working pretty independently. They will lead the charge
• Patient review meetings every other week.
• Use Access EMR
• Documentation completed within 24 hours
• Most patients are at the same facility typically not TOO much driving
• Mileage Reimbursement:
  *Limit is 25 miles - go above and you can expense mileage
  *1st visit and their last visit is not covered - IRS rate

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care
1. Completes an initial, comprehensive, and ongoing assessment of patient and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es).
2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.
3. Assesses and evaluates patient's status by:
A. Writing and initiating plan of care
B. Regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs
C. Participating in revising the plan of care as necessary
4. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis.
5. Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates
palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process.
6. Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician's plan of care.
7. Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs.
8. Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment and plan.
9. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient's efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care.
10. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by Clinical Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload

Communication
1. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient's condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
2. Communicates with the physician regarding the patient's needs and reports changes in the patient's condition; obtains/receives physicians' orders as required.
3. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.
4. Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families/caregivers. Works in concert with the interdisciplinary group.
5. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
6. Assists the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.
7. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice Interdisciplinary Group Members to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family/caregiver.
8. Attends interdisciplinary group meetings.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. Registered nurse with current licensure to practice professional nursing in the state.
2. Graduate of National League for Nursing accredited school of nursing.
3. Maintains a current CPR certification.
4. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
5. Registered nurses shall have a minimum of (a) one (1) year of experience as a professional nurse within the last three (3) years OR (b) have a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing and a current RN license. A minimum of two years' experience, at least one of which is in the area of public health,
home care, or hospice nursing is preferred.
6. Self-directed and able to work with minimal supervision.
7. Management experience not required. Responsible for supervising hospice aides.
8. Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communications, nursing skills per competency checklist.
9. Shows ability to organize and prioritize workload independently.
10. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position, and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.