Registered Nurse Inpatient

About the position

The position involves case management and supervision within the VITAS hospice program, adhering to VITAS policies and standards. The RN will supervise nursing tasks delegated to Hospice Aides, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, and Volunteers, ensuring compliance with the plan of care. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, providing education to patients and families, and participating in team meetings and bereavement support. The RN will also be involved in quality improvement initiatives and professional development activities.

Responsibilities

• Follows VITAS policies and standards and practices within the scope of the RN license.
• Reports any request to practice outside of scope of license to the manager/supervisor.
• Supervision of nursing tasks delegated to Hospice Aides, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, and Volunteers per the plan of care.
• Completes initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments including physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and bereavement.
• Identifies/utilizes resources and referrals such as PT, OT, Home Health, Dietary, Pharmacy, Supplies, Home Medical Equipment, and other visits/consults.
• Completes documentation at the time of the event and at the location of care unless otherwise directed.
• Provides education to patients, families, caregivers, and referral sources.
• Participates in patient care meetings as assigned.
• Participates in weekly team meetings.
• Provides effective communication/shift reports through written, verbal, reporting, and body language.
• Participates in bereavement support.
• Participates in the on-call rotation and/or provides shifts during non-business hours based upon program-identified needs.
• Provides visits/shifts in program coverage area.
• Develops, coordinates, and follows the patient's individualized plan of care.
• Delegates nursing tasks to Hospice Aides/Homemakers, Volunteers, and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses.
• Assesses all factors pertinent to the patient's safety, including the competence of the Hospice Aide/Homemaker.
• Documents nursing care including tasks delegated to other roles such as LPNs, HHAs, and Volunteers.
• Participates in and monitors patient and family care compliance activities.
• Professionally manages/coordinates the hospice plan of care.
• Provides and follows infection control practices.
• Delivers care in accordance with the patient's plan of care.
• Provides primary nursing care for inpatient and continuous care patients as assigned.
• Participates in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program and related activities.
• Gathers clinical data for quality measures.
• Develops and achieves professional growth goals and objectives.
• Attends orientation and regularly scheduled in-services/educational conferences.
• Participates in orientation of Hospice Aides, Volunteers, and other IDG members.
• Maintains focus on the patient and family experience of care.
• Serves as a patient and family advocate.
• Reports patient/family/customer complaints to Team Manager.
• Participates in patient/family/customer conflict resolution as applicable.
• Represents the nursing profession and VITAS in a positive manner.

Requirements

• Currently licensed as a R.N. in the state where the VITAS program is located.
• A minimum of two years experience in hospice, home health, or community health experience in the last five years.