Under physician's orders, the Hospice Nurse is responsible for identifying the physical and emotional needs of the patient/family and for coordinating the care necessary to meet these needs in order to maximize patient comfort and to enhance the quality of life for the patient/family. This role is PRN and the hours and schedule vary based on placement and needs of the organization. A minimum number of hours is required to remain active. RNs working in a PRN role must be willing to provide care to patients in various settings, including: our inpatient unit (Hospice House), facilities (hospitals or long-term care environments), and homes in the community.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Utilizes a systematic process to assess the physical and emotional needs of the patient to provide the framework from which patient care is planned.
• Completes the Patient Assessment Form/Patient Care Note within established guidelines and document such findings (in the EMR) in a timely manner on a specific device.
• Recognizes, reports and documents significant findings/changes in the patient's condition to the clinical manager and/or physician.
• Assesses the need for medical supplies, equipment and medication on a regular and consistent basis.
• Assesses the need for alternative levels of care options when appropriate.
• Contributes to the development of an Interdisciplinary Treatment Plan in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team providing a comprehensive plan of care.
• Identifies additional problems/needs and contributes to the initial plan of care started on admission and continues to update the plan of care as necessary and required.
• Identifies patient/family educational needs and develops a teaching plan utilizing resources available.
• Participates in IDG
• Implements and directs plan of care in an organized and efficient manner in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Implements physician directed care in a timely manner.
• Implements nursing interventions and procedures for physical and emotional needs based on the plan of care.
• Plans the administration of and/or administers medication with knowledge of actions, contraindications, side effects and desired outcomes.
• Communicates with other team members and/or outside services and nursing agencies to provide coordination of care.
• Provides information and direction to the HHAs/CNAs, documenting supervision according to policy.
• Completes documentation accurately, concisely and in a timely manner.
• Reports all infections/suspected infections on the appropriate forms.
• Attends/prepares the body after death, providing emotional support to the family and direction for arrangements as needed within established guidelines.
• Continually evaluates the plan of care, the nursing care provided and the patient's response to the care so that adjustments may be made accordingly.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the nursing interventions in meeting the identified physical and emotional needs, making revisions on the plan of care.
• Communicates with the physician informing him/her of the patient’s status as the condition changes.
• Notifies the physician at the time of death.
• Performs chart reviews as assigned.
• Performs other related work as needed and as directed by the clinical manager and/or director.
• Is available for holiday, on-call, weekend, illness and vacation coverage as needed.
• Follows the Compliance and Ethics Program.
• Other duties as assigned

Core Values:

Innovation:

We embrace change and are always looking at creative ways to solve problems and serve new populations.

Integrity:

We are honest, hardworking, fiscally responsible professionals driven solely by the well-being of our patients, their loved ones, and the communities we serve.

Collaboration:

We know we cannot achieve everything we want without working hand-in-hand with each other, with our healthcare partners, and with the community.

Celebration:

We believe in the importance of celebrating life and relationships.

Education:

We believe it is important not only to serve the community but to educate community members about our services and the role we can play at the end of life.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:

Communication skills of reading, writing, and speaking in English. Spanish language skills preferred.

Math Skills:

Math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages/fractions. Nurse must successfully pass the math test given at time of interview prior to starting orientation and annually.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Current RN License to practice in the state of Florida.

Valid Florida Driver's License

Healthcare Provider CPR

Computer Skills:

Strong computer skills including database software and general knowledge of e-mail/Outlook.

Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities

Physical Demands:

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this

job, the employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee may be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee may also be required to see, hear, and talk.

Work Environment:

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.) While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Field evaluations involve driving to patient homes.