Inpatient Registered Nurse

Hospice of Lake Cumberland•Somerset, KY

About The Position

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, assumes primary responsibility for the care of a patient/family caseload that includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care provided. Qualifications Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current Kentucky License. Two years varied work experience as a professional nurse preferred; minimum one year in acute setting. Must be able to access patient’s home independently. Must be willing to cross-train to work homecare setting Cannot have any lifting restrictions as this is a vital function of a nurse, therefore there is no light duty available for nurses. Position Relationships Supervised by Director of Clinical Services. Duties and Responsibilities Provide direct patient care, working to maintain highest level of comfort and quality of life. Functions within the standards of the Nurse Practice Act. Explains philosophy, purpose, scope and role of Hospice to patients/families. Cannot have any lifting restrictions as this is a vital function of a nurse, therefore there is no light duty available for nurses. Completes initial assessment of patient and assesses needs. Prepares and implements treatment plan for patient and family, in collaboration with the patient and family and other members of the IDT. Orders needed medication, supplies and equipment. Instructs caregivers in the proper use of medications, supplies and equipment, and in the basic skills required to care for the patient in the home. Will complete a comprehensive assessment on each patient every shift. Will evaluate pain status and physical and emotional conditions; implement interventions for symptom management as indicated. Nurse will access and document every two hours on every patient Provides a safe patient care environment, i.e., drug disposal, sharps disposal, and universal precautions. Provides direct patient care as required, following policies and procedures of Hospice. Continually evaluates care provided by IDT. Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, actions and goals are accurate, pertinent and reflect changes as they occur. Provides appropriate support at time of death. Functions as a liaison between patient/family and other care providers and members of the IDT . Obtains and records MD orders for medication and/or treatments and communicates as pertinent to other staff. Initiates communication with physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family. Maintains ongoing communication with the attending physician regarding patient/family care needs and response to intervention. Participates as a member of the IDT in meeting the needs of the total patient population . Attends weekly IDT meetings, facilitating discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation. Contributes to the overall success of Hospice by cooperating in other organizational requirements and activities. Communicates information concerning work schedule and need for time off to Unit Senior Nursing Manager. Participates in Hospice of Lake Cumberland’s orientation and in-service training programs for professional and volunteer staff. Participates in community programs as requested to promote better understanding of Hospice. Participates in organizational committees and special projects as assigned. Demonstrates familiarity with Hospice policies and State and Federal regulations governing provision of Hospice care.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Current Kentucky License.
Minimum one year in acute setting.
Must be able to access patient’s home independently.
Must be willing to cross-train to work homecare setting
Cannot have any lifting restrictions as this is a vital function of a nurse, therefore there is no light duty available for nurses.

Nice To Haves

Two years varied work experience as a professional nurse preferred

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care, working to maintain highest level of comfort and quality of life.
Functions within the standards of the Nurse Practice Act.
Explains philosophy, purpose, scope and role of Hospice to patients/families.
Completes initial assessment of patient and assesses needs.
Prepares and implements treatment plan for patient and family, in collaboration with the patient and family and other members of the IDT.
Orders needed medication, supplies and equipment.
Instructs caregivers in the proper use of medications, supplies and equipment, and in the basic skills required to care for the patient in the home.
Will complete a comprehensive assessment on each patient every shift.
Will evaluate pain status and physical and emotional conditions; implement interventions for symptom management as indicated.
Nurse will access and document every two hours on every patient
Provides a safe patient care environment, i.e., drug disposal, sharps disposal, and universal precautions.
Provides direct patient care as required, following policies and procedures of Hospice.
Continually evaluates care provided by IDT.
Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, actions and goals are accurate, pertinent and reflect changes as they occur.
Provides appropriate support at time of death.
Functions as a liaison between patient/family and other care providers and members of the IDT .
Obtains and records MD orders for medication and/or treatments and communicates as pertinent to other staff.
Initiates communication with physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
Maintains ongoing communication with the attending physician regarding patient/family care needs and response to intervention.
Participates as a member of the IDT in meeting the needs of the total patient population .
Attends weekly IDT meetings, facilitating discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.
Contributes to the overall success of Hospice by cooperating in other organizational requirements and activities.
Communicates information concerning work schedule and need for time off to Unit Senior Nursing Manager.
Participates in Hospice of Lake Cumberland’s orientation and in-service training programs for professional and volunteer staff.
Participates in community programs as requested to promote better understanding of Hospice.
Participates in organizational committees and special projects as assigned.
Demonstrates familiarity with Hospice policies and State and Federal regulations governing provision of Hospice care.