Home Care and Hospice Registered Nurse

Sheridan Memorial Hospital•Sheridan, WY

About The Position

The Home Care and Hospice Registered Nurse plans, coordinates, provides, and documents care for an assigned caseload, which may include nursing care for terminally ill Hospice patients. The RN supports patients and families in the home care setting and during bereavement, and works as a member of the Hospice team. Using physician orders and professional nursing skills, the RN develops and implements individualized Home Care/Hospice plans in compliance with applicable accreditation, federal and state regulations, reimbursement guidelines, and agency policies and procedures. The role also participates in performance improvement and quality assurance activities. The RN provides skilled nursing care, assesses and reassesses patient needs and pain, implements care and symptom-management plans, educates and supports patients and families, coordinates with physicians and the interdisciplinary group, and documents care in accordance with professional and agency standards. The position includes Hospice services, patient advocacy, discharge planning and referrals, medication administration, infection control, supervision of other nursing personnel and Home Care/Hospice Aides, and participation in the on-call system. The RN may need to travel to patients using a personal automobile and may be exposed to blood or body fluids, infectious disease, hazardous waste, odorous chemicals or specimens, and latex products; personal protective equipment is required when appropriate.

Requirements

Associate degree in nursing.
Unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of Wyoming.
Current BLS certification.
Central Registry clearance/requirement.
Criminal and Central Registry background checks.
Valid state driver's license, reliable automobile, and current automobile insurance; willingness to use a personal vehicle as required by the job.
Ability to meet the role's patient-care, documentation, coordination, and infection-control responsibilities.
Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Nursing from an accredited NLN program.
Certification in a specialty area such as Home Care, Hospice, Geriatrics, Wound Care, or Pain Control.

Responsibilities

Develop a written plan of care for each patient and provide skilled nursing care.
Assess and reassess patients, initiate and update plans of care, and evaluate changes in condition and needs.
Assess and manage pain, use appropriate pain-management techniques, educate patients and families, and coordinate symptom-management plans with physicians.
Obtain necessary physician orders and collaborate with physicians regarding patient needs and changes to care.
Participate in case conferences and work with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and maintain continuity.
Respond to the physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families, providing ongoing support and palliative care as appropriate.
Plan patient discharges and recommend referrals to other disciplines, alternative levels of care, or community resources as needed.
Document and chart care accurately and within required timeframes, following professional, agency, billing, and confidentiality standards.
Obtain supplies and equipment needed to provide care and perform nursing procedures, treatments, and preventive services as ordered and appropriate.
Teach, supervise, and counsel patients and family members regarding nursing care needs, including Hospice care.
Follow up on laboratory results and notify physicians of significant changes.
Supervise and train other nursing service personnel and supervise Home Care/Hospice Aides on an every-other-week basis.
Participate in the on-call system and provide on-call coverage when unavailable for assigned duties.
Maintain a triage list of skilled nursing clients for events that prevent service to all scheduled patients, such as winter storms.
Coordinate implementation of care plans for patients residing in SNF, NF, ICF, or MR settings.
Follow infection-control protocols, use personal protective equipment, and promote patient safety and prevention of medical errors.
Maintain required knowledge and skills, organize work time, attend required meetings, and communicate with a supervisor when unable to meet a patient's needs or perform a procedure.
Participate in quality and performance improvement activities and represent the organization professionally.