Afterhours Registered Nurse

Heartland Hospice•De Pere, WI

About The Position

The After Hours Registered Nurse provides direct patient care and family support to hospice patients outside normal business hours on an on-call basis. The RN manages an interdisciplinary group of Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and support staff, and case manages assigned patient clinical records. The schedule is 7 days on and 7 days off. The role includes after-hours availability, telephone triage, clinical support, care coordination, admission-related coordination, triage follow-up, visit synchronization, and other activities needed to support continuity of care and operational needs. The RN performs initial and ongoing patient assessments, helps develop and implement physician-prescribed Hospice Plans of Care, and educates patients, families, and caregivers about identified care needs. The position coordinates with the interdisciplinary team to provide physical, psychosocial, educational, emotional, and spiritual support, including bereavement support. The RN maintains professional oversight of assigned patients, communicates with physicians and families, maintains accurate clinical records, and supports quality, regulatory compliance, infection control, and staff scheduling and supervision. Routine visits during normal business hours may also be requested. The work takes place in patients’ homes and/or institutional settings and in an automobile. Potential exposures include infections, communicable diseases, odors, blood, excreta, and hazardous materials. This is a safety-sensitive position.

Requirements

Registered Nurse.
At least one year of RN experience in acute care hospital, oncology, long-term care, hospice, or home health; school internships and clinical hours may be considered in individual cases.
Current license to practice nursing in the state of requested employment.
Complete required onboarding, orientation, competency validation, and ongoing competency requirements for the After Hours RN role.
Current CPR certification.
Current automobile insurance and a valid driver’s license.
Maintain transportation for work.
Ability to operate nursing assessment tools, computers, facsimile equipment, copier, and cell phone/beeper.
Knowledge of terminally ill patients and their families and understanding of hospice and the special needs of hospice patients and families.
Knowledge of the roles of disciplines providing hospice services, community resources, general nursing practice, managed care principles, regulatory guidelines, and management principles.
Excellent patient assessment skills and good oral and written communication, documentation, and program management skills.
Sensitivity to life-and-death issues affecting people with terminal illness; tact and the ability to support patients and families during crises.
Flexibility to perform varied tasks while maintaining efficiency and composure.
Ability to communicate effectively with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and to function responsibly and cooperatively in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care and supportive care to hospice patients’ families after normal business hours on an on-call basis.
Manage an interdisciplinary group of Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and support staff.
Case manage assigned patient clinical records.
Provide after-hours availability, telephone triage response, clinical support, care coordination, admission-related coordination, triage follow-up, and visit synchronization.
Ensure the highest quality of care is provided and documented in accordance with the Plan of Care.
Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments.
Help develop and implement the Hospice Plan of Care as prescribed by the physician and in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Group.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about needs identified in the Plan of Care, including medication administration, dressing changes, oxygen administration, hospice philosophy, and care of terminally ill patients.
Coordinate with the Interdisciplinary Group to provide physical, psychosocial, educational, emotional, and spiritual services, including bereavement support.
Maintain primary control and professional management of each patient and serve as the primary liaison among the physician, patient and family, and hospice team.
Report changes in patient condition to the Attending Physician and Hospice Physician.
Maintain contact with patients’ families and/or significant others to provide information, support, and continuity of care.
Maintain accurate and current medical records, including interdisciplinary notes, Plans of Care, assessments, and other pertinent information.
Review and follow up on assigned clinical records to ensure quality services, adherence to standards of practice, and compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Practice infection control measures and standard precautions.
Conduct routine supervisory visits with other team members at least monthly.
Monitor staff scheduling.
Maintain knowledge of pain and symptom management in the dying process.
Participate in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program.
Perform routine visits during normal business hours when requested.
Attend staff meetings, complete required annual company training, promote company core values, and perform other assigned activities.

Benefits

Competitive pay
401(k) with company match
Career advancement opportunities
National and local recognition programs
Teammate Assistance Fund
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for full-time associates
Generous paid time off and 7 paid holidays for full-time associates
Wellness programs, including telemedicine, diabetes management, and joint and spine concierge care, for full-time associates
Education support and tuition assistance for full-time associates
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance for full-time associates
Voluntary pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term care benefits for full-time associates