Afterhours Registered Nurse

Heartland Hospice•Raleigh, NC

About The Position

The After Hours Registered Nurse provides direct patient care to hospice patients and support to their families after normal business hours on an on-call basis. The role manages an interdisciplinary group of Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and support staff to enhance hospice care quality, and case-manages assigned patient clinical records. The schedule includes weekend day shifts, along with after-hours availability for telephone triage, clinical support, care coordination, admission-related coordination, triage follow-up, visit synchronization, and other activities needed to maintain continuity of care and meet operational needs. The RN provides and documents care according to the Plan of Care; assesses patients; helps develop and implement hospice care plans; educates patients, families, and caregivers; and coordinates with the interdisciplinary team to address physical, psychosocial, educational, emotional, and spiritual needs, including bereavement support. The RN communicates with physicians and families, maintains accurate clinical records, reviews records for quality and regulatory compliance, supports infection control, supervises team members, monitors staff scheduling, and participates in quality improvement activities. Routine visits during normal business hours may also be requested.

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.
Completion of required onboarding, orientation, competency validation, and ongoing competency requirements for the After Hours RN role.
CPR certification.
Current automobile insurance and a valid driver’s license.
Ability to operate nursing assessment tools, computers, facsimile equipment, copier, and cell phone/beeper.
Must have and maintain transportation for work.
Knowledge of terminally ill patients and their families, hospice, hospice patient and family needs, hospice disciplines, community resources, general nursing practice, managed care principles, and regulatory guidelines including Medicare, Medicaid, and JCAHO.
Strong patient assessment, oral and written communication, documentation, and program management skills.
Sensitivity and tact when supporting people facing terminal illness, death, and crisis; flexibility, composure, maturity, cooperation, and ability to communicate with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to meet applicable state-specific requirements and minimum requirements for benefit eligibility.

Responsibilities

Provide and document high-quality care in accordance with the Plan of Care.
Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments.
Help develop and implement the Hospice Plan of Care with the physician and Interdisciplinary Group.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about care needs, including medication administration, dressing changes, oxygen administration, hospice philosophy, and care of terminally ill patients.
Work with the Interdisciplinary Group to provide physical, psychosocial, educational, emotional, and spiritual services, including bereavement support.
Manage assigned patients and act as the primary liaison among physicians, patients and families, and the hospice team.
Report changes in patient condition to the Attending Physician and Hospice Physician.
Maintain contact with patients’ families and significant others to provide information, support, and continuity of care.
Maintain accurate and current medical records, including interdisciplinary notes, Plans of Care, and assessments.
Review and follow up on assigned clinical records to ensure quality, standards of practice, and compliance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Practice infection control 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.
Provide 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.
Provide after-hours telephone triage, clinical support, care coordination, admission-related coordination, triage follow-up, visit synchronization, and other support needed for continuity of care and operational needs.

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 seven paid holidays for full-time associates
Wellness programs, including telemedicine, diabetes management, and joint and spine concierge care
Education support and tuition assistance
Company-paid life and long-term disability insurance
Voluntary benefits including pet, critical illness, accident, and long-term care coverage