RN HOME CARE

Columbus Hospice Inc•Columbus, GA

8d•$76,960 - $86,237•Onsite

About The Position

The RN Home Care nurse provides individualized hospice nursing care in accordance with hospice philosophies and standards. The role includes assessing patients and families, managing symptoms and pain, educating and supporting patients and families, and coordinating care with physicians and the interdisciplinary team. The nurse maintains a patient caseload, documents care, participates in the hospice call system as assigned, and may temporarily serve as Team Manager when requested. This is a full-time position. Wage rate is determined by education (BSN) and years as a licensed RN. An additional 3% is added to the base rate for a BSN or MSN, with additional pay available for hospice certification. Applicants must apply through the Columbus Hospice careers website. The position requires travel to patient homes and dependable personal transportation. The nurse may be exposed to outside weather, hostile environments, cigarette smoke, and pets, and must be able to meet the stated physical demands, including occasional lifting or moving of more than 100 pounds.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
One year of related experience.
Valid Alabama and Georgia nursing licenses or a Compact license.
Influenza vaccine during influenza season (November–March).
Valid driver’s license.
Satisfactory motor vehicle record and proof of insurance per Columbus Hospice policy.
Dependable personal transportation.
Current BLS CPR certification.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret a wide range of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including occasional lifting or moving of more than 100 pounds and the required vision abilities for driving.

Nice To Haves

BSN or MSN.
Hospice certification (additional pay is available).

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ and families’ physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs initially and on an ongoing basis, with appropriate follow-up and referrals.
Develop and update a comprehensive nursing and team care plan with the Interdisciplinary Team, at least weekly and more often as needed.
Examine patients and follow up to support optimal symptom and pain control.
Keep attending physicians informed of patient status and request appropriate changes in care.
Coordinate volunteer assignments and support with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Seek spiritual support for patients and families through personal clergy or the hospice chaplain.
Provide ongoing patient and family information and teaching, including hospice protocols, emergencies, and on-call procedures.
Request assistance from team members, agencies, or organizations as appropriate.
Help patients and families prepare for death while maintaining hope and encouraging pre-planning.
Encourage family and friends to participate in patient care and provide education and support according to the plan of care.
Accurately and promptly document all phases of patient care, including recertifications and physician orders.
When possible, attend funerals and then withdraw from active family support, leaving bereavement support to the family.
Participate positively in Interdisciplinary Team meetings.
Participate in the hospice call system as assigned.
Perform other duties assigned by the Team Manager, including temporarily acting as Team Manager.
Conduct home supervisory visits for LPNs and CNAs assigned to patients, per policy.
Count medications accurately and arrange refills or prescriptions so patients have appropriate medication supplies at home.
Pronounce deaths according to policy, including medication destruction, and support families immediately following a patient’s death.
Maintain a patient caseload and provide services according to the plan of care.
Complete 15 continuing education hours annually, including at least 12 hours in hospice-specific topics, to remain eligible for merit increases and avoid possible termination under policy.
Take reasonable precautions to protect confidential patient, staff, and company information.
Represent Columbus Hospice positively and professionally with coworkers, management, vendors, and customers.
Complete responsibilities thoroughly and use good judgment; seek help from the immediate supervisor when uncertain about assigned tasks or responsibilities.
Act on physician orders and use nursing judgment to assess critical changes and implement physician-ordered symptom management protocols.
Consult management about matters not addressed by the applicable state Nurse Practice Act, policies and procedures, state license regulations, or physician orders.
Supervise, direct, and document CNA patient-care activities in patient homes monthly.
Meet job responsibilities, including attendance requirements and prompt arrival at work.
Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.