Triage RN, Hospice - Per Diem

Virtua Health•Lippincott - 301 Lippincott Drive, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Hospice Registered Nurse brings the essential elements of the hospice delivery model into the patient’s defined living space by assessing, planning, and implementing a treatment plan to keep terminally ill patients comfortable. The RN monitors vital signs, administers medications, and supports patients and families through the end-of-life transition, helping patients reach acceptance and peace of mind. The RN provides quality care through the nursing process and a team nursing model, coordinating care and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team, patients, and their families or significant others. The position maintains high standards of professional ethics and works with the intake team, referring physicians, and other referral sources to promote the hospice philosophy of care. The role travels statewide and requires the nurse to be within commuting distance of Marlton, New Jersey. The schedule is seven days on and seven days off, with a 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. shift. This is an on-site, per-diem position based at Lippincott, 301 Lippincott Drive.

Requirements

Minimum of 2–3 years of hospice nursing experience.
Excellent assessment skills and clinical judgment.
Knowledge of the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.
Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Current New Jersey nursing license to practice as a registered nurse.
Current CPR certification and BLS.
Current proof of a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.
Must be within a commutable distance to Marlton, New Jersey.

Nice To Haves

Home care setting experience preferred.
BSN preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform and document the nursing process—including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—for patients receiving in-person care at home.
Review and follow up on family education, patient care plans, and coordinated services; triage and respond to changes in patient condition.
Provide nursing care, emotional support, and education to patients and families.
Assist with wound care, treatments, procedures, and comfort care.
Administer medications and treatments according to the patient’s plan of care to promote comfort and relieve symptoms.
Observe, record, and report disease signs and symptoms, changes in physical, emotional, spiritual, or social condition, and responses to treatment.
Communicate significant findings, problems, and changes in the patient’s condition or environment to the physician and other care-team members.
Instruct patients and families on symptom reporting and the dying process, and provide crisis intervention.
Assess pain at each visit using identified scales and protocols, establish acceptable pain levels with the patient, and implement appropriate pain-management interventions.
Pronounce death and document it correctly; provide care of the body and family support, and dispose of medications. When needed, relay information to the identified funeral home, local EMT, or police.
Consult physicians for appropriate orders.
Work toward the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of patients and families.
Participate actively as a member of the interdisciplinary team and collaborate with team members to coordinate care.
Make timely referrals for other disciplines and medical equipment or supply companies to support comfort and symptom relief.
Coordinate patient care with internal and external disciplines and community resources in a fiscally responsible manner.
Perform assigned on-call responsibilities and services for patients and families; participate in weekend, holiday, and on-call coverage as necessary.
Use appropriate resources to maintain hospice-care knowledge and skills, including regulatory and reimbursement guidance, and apply that knowledge in clinical practice.
Follow organizational policies and procedures, including HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
Complete and submit timely, complete, legible documentation that clearly reflects care provided.
Maintain nursing supplies, anticipate needs, and keep the work environment safe and clean.
Participate in QAPI activities and interdisciplinary team meetings.
Complete other assigned duties and projects, remain flexible across responsibilities, and adhere to organizational competencies and standards of behavior.