RN Case Manager

Hospice of Lake Cumberland•Somerset, KY

About The Position

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the RN Case Manager assumes primary responsibility for a caseload of patients and families, including assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care. The role provides direct patient care focused on comfort and quality of life, coordinates services with patients, families, physicians, hospice staff, agencies, and other care providers, and maintains accurate patient records. The nurse may be required to work in the inpatient unit and participates in an on-call schedule providing coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Current Kentucky nursing license.
At least one year of experience in an acute setting.
Must be able to access a patient's home independently.
Must have no lifting restrictions; lifting is a vital nursing function and light duty is not available for nurses.

Nice To Haves

Two years of varied work experience as a professional nurse preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as case manager and provide direct patient care to maintain the highest possible comfort and quality of life.
Practice in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and Hospice policies and procedures.
Explain the philosophy, purpose, scope, and role of Hospice to patients and families.
Complete initial assessments of patients and home care needs.
Prepare and implement treatment plans in collaboration with patients, families, and other interdisciplinary team members.
Order needed medications, supplies, and equipment.
Teach caregivers to use medications, supplies, and equipment properly and to perform basic home-care skills.
Visit assigned patients at least weekly; assess pain and physical and emotional conditions, and implement symptom-management interventions as indicated.
Maintain a safe patient-care environment, including drug and sharps disposal and use of universal precautions.
Evaluate care provided by caregivers and the interdisciplinary team on an ongoing basis.
Document observation of Home Health Aide care delivery every two weeks.
Maintain current patient records that accurately reflect problems, actions, goals, and changes.
Provide appropriate support at the time of death.
Serve as a liaison between patients and families, other care providers, and interdisciplinary team members.
Obtain and record physician orders for medications and treatments and communicate relevant information to other staff.
Coordinate care and use of resources by communicating with physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies as needed.
Maintain ongoing communication with the attending physician about patient and family needs and responses to interventions.
Participate as an interdisciplinary team member in meeting the needs of the total patient population.
Attend weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and facilitate discussion, consultation, and evaluation of issues from the caseload.
Participate in the on-call schedule to provide 24-hour, seven-day-a-week coverage.
Provide bereavement support, which may include attending funeral or visitation services.
Communicate work-schedule information and time-off needs to the Nursing Coordinator.
Participate in Hospice of Lake Cumberland orientation and in-service training programs for professional and volunteer staff.
Participate in community programs to promote understanding of Hospice, as requested.
Participate in organizational committees and special projects as assigned.
Demonstrate familiarity with Hospice policies and state and federal regulations governing Hospice care.
Cooperate in other organizational requirements and activities that contribute to the overall success of Hospice.