Job Description

Job Summary

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, assumes primary responsibility for the care of a patient/family caseload that includes assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care provided.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Kentucky License.
• Two years varied work experience as a professional nurse preferred; minimum one year in acute setting.
• Must be able to access patient’s home independently.
• Must be willing to cross-train to work homecare setting
• Cannot have any lifting restrictions as this is a vital function of a nurse, therefore there is no light duty available for nurses. 

Position Relationships

• Supervised by Director of Clinical Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assumes role of case manager and provides direct patient care, working to maintain highest level of comfort and quality of life.

• Functions within the standards of the Nurse Practice Act.
• Explains philosophy, purpose, scope and role of Hospice to patients/families.
• Completes initial assessment of patient and home care needs.
• Prepares and implements treatment plan for patient and family, in collaboration with the patient and family and other members of the IDT.
• Orders needed medication, supplies and equipment.
• Instructs caregivers in the proper use of medications, supplies and equipment, and in the basic skills required to care for the patient in the home.
• Visits assigned patients at least weekly, making complete assessments of pain status and physical and emotional conditions; implements interventions for symptom management as indicated.
• Provides a safe patient care environment, i.e., drug disposal, sharps disposal, and universal precautions.
• Provides direct patient care as required, following policies and procedures of Hospice.
• Continually evaluates care provided by caregiver and IDT. Documents observance of Home Health Aide care delivery every two weeks.
• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, actions and goals are accurate, pertinent and reflect changes as they occur.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death.
• May be required to work in the homecare setting

Functions as a liaison between patient/family and other care providers and members of the IDT.

Obtains and records MD orders for medication and/or treatments and communicates as pertinent to other staff.

• Initiates communication with physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Maintains ongoing communication with the attending physician regarding patient/family care needs and response to intervention.

Participates as a member of the IDT in meeting the needs of the total patient population.

• Attends weekly IDT meetings, facilitating discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.
• Participates with on-call schedule to provide twenty-four hour, seven day a week coverage.
• May provide bereavement support by attending funeral or visitation services.

Contributes to the overall success of Hospice by cooperating in other organizational requirements and activities.

• Communicates information concerning work schedule and need for time off to Charge Nurse
• Participates in Hospice of Lake Cumberland’s orientation and in-service training programs for professional and volunteer staff.
• Participates in community programs as requested to promote better understanding of Hospice.
• Participates in organizational committees and special projects as assigned.
• Demonstrates familiarity with Hospice policies and State and Federal regulations governing provision of Hospice care.

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