Hospice Nurse, RN

HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE CARE INC•Pollocksville, NC

About The Position

The Hospice Nurse, RN coordinates hospice services in assigned counties in accordance with the hospice philosophy and 3HC’s goals, objectives, and policies. The nurse provides skilled, compassionate care that supports patients’ quality of life and dignified end-of-life care, and works with patients, families, physicians, and the interdisciplinary team to plan, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate care. Duties also include hospice admissions, patient and family education, ongoing assessment, electronic documentation, physician communication, supervision of nursing staff and paraprofessionals, and participation in quality and performance improvement activities. The nurse may also support other offices or home health services during periods of low hospice census and may have additional duties depending on the role assignment, such as floater, Baylor, evening, or admissions nurse. The position requires a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Weekday, weekend, and holiday on-call and backup-call rotations are described for some assignments; hospice nurse floaters are not required to take on-call hours, while the Baylor nurse is on call for the base office according to office need or rotation.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse license to practice nursing in North Carolina.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, physicians, and the public.
Current CPR certification (BCLS).
Dependability and ability to deal pleasantly and tactfully with patients, families, staff, providers, and the public.
Competence to perform delegated tasks that support positive patient outcomes as indicated in the individualized plan of care.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Evidence of leadership qualities.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of professional nursing experience in an acute care setting.
Previous experience working with terminally ill patients.

Responsibilities

Support 3HC’s Compliance Program and Code of Ethics and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Provide courteous, knowledgeable service to patients, families, referral sources, vendors, community members, staff, and visitors.
Provide skilled nursing care in accordance with the physician’s plan of care, 3HC policies and procedures, and the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.
Complete hospice admissions and educate patients and families about hospice services and the hospice benefit.
Plan, coordinate, provide, and direct compassionate patient care, including participating in interdisciplinary assessments and developing and evaluating plans of care.
Coordinate hospice care with the interdisciplinary team, contribute to patient counseling and education, maintain continuity of care, and refer patients to other services as needed.
Provide end-of-life care and continuously assess patient condition, medication needs, and durable medical equipment needs; individualize nursing visits and support to patient needs.
Participate in quality assessment and performance improvement and quality improvement projects as requested.
Maintain current electronic documentation, download it daily, and enter assessment information in the electronic medical record within 48 hours.
Keep the physician or Hospice Medical Director involved in ongoing care; report treatment reactions and changes in condition, consult on treatment-plan changes, document changes in orders, and verify the physician who will sign orders.
Supervise Licensed Practical Nurses and paraprofessionals in accordance with CMS and hospice guidelines, including supervising LPNs on each patient at least every 30 days and evaluating nursing assistant care at least every 14 days.
Provide certified nursing assistants with a telephonic plan of care and specific duties, and participate in periodic performance conferences as needed.
Collaborate with the supervisor to meet assigned productivity standards and maintain regular communication regarding patient issues and care coordination.
Rotate weekday, weekend, and holiday on-call and backup-call duties when required by the assigned role; cover other offices, make home health visits, conduct referral and nursing-home outreach, and support community hospice education during low census as assigned.
Ensure referrals are evaluated in a timely manner, with a stated NPU rate of less than 6%.
Coordinate hospice care with the Director of Clinical Practice or Assistant Clinical Director and the interdisciplinary group team.
Complete certifications and recertifications on time, obtain verbal orders within 48 hours of start of care, and maintain current knowledge of reimbursement criteria and documentation requirements, including insurance authorizations.
Participate in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team conferences, care conferences, record audits, utilization reviews, quality activities, and in-service training; attend interdisciplinary team conferences at least 75% of the time.
Attend required agency and hospice training and continuing education, meet State Board of Nursing CEU requirements, and maintain and improve professional skills through education, research, and professional participation.
Notify attending physicians, staff, and family members when a patient dies.
Coordinate with the contracted pharmacy regarding medication changes, administration, and recommendations, and share pharmacy recommendations with the attending physician.
For Baylor assignments, work from 5 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Monday, provide hospice training, complete documentation and reporting, submit paperwork by the stated deadline, and work at least one weekend day.
For evening assignments, work 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, cover clinical-office on-call duties, and complete visits after 11 p.m. as needed.
For admissions assignments, provide hospice admissions or tuck-ins, develop and implement patient care plans in the electronic medical record, complete documentation, report admissions and emergency-room visits, and take on-call duty as needed by the office.
Promote personal and professional development for self and staff by attending educational events, conducting individual research, recommending learning opportunities, and encouraging staff participation.
Use agency resources cost-effectively, monitor waste, and use supplies and equipment properly and safely.
Follow 3HC personnel policies and perform other appropriate duties assigned by the supervisor.