Job Title/Position: Weekend On-Call Registered Nurse
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
To provide nursing assessment, planning and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families in accordance with the interdisciplinary plan of care after regular business hours and/or on weekends. Supports the Provider Relations activities of the organization.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs scheduled (as directed) and non-scheduled home visits/phone calls to initiate or continue care in the absence of the regularly scheduled caregiver. Responds to client care issues, and refers non-care issues to the appropriate member of the inter-disciplinary team and/or team manager.
- When on call, initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for patients/families served while on call. Maintains regular communication with the team manager and physician to review patient care.
- Receives client referrals and performs timely admissions when on call.
- Receives patient assignments for the team manager. Assumes responsibility for a patient/family that includes assessing, planning, implementing, re-evaluating, and revising care as necessary. Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporates that data into the plan of care.
- Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur. Conducts clinical chart review as directed. Initiates and sustains, as needed, the implementation of orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physicians plan of care.
- Accepts responsibility for coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers and employed caregivers, or by providing direct care as appropriate.
- Instruct the patient and caregiver on how to administer medication and recognize side effects; how to perform personal care and oral hygiene; how to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation and exercise; how to prepare for the events preceding death; proper diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician.
- Informs the team manager of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues. Cares for patient emergency situations that may arise. Provides appropriate support while present at time of all deaths. Shares in proving 24 hour, seven-day-a-week coverage to patients and families.
- Makes hospice aide assignments, prepares written instructions for the aide and supervises the aide in the home.
- Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the hospice and state and federal regulations pertaining to nursing services.
- Participates on committees and special projects and other related duties as assigned. Participates in community education activities when patient needs allow. Minimally attends 2 interdisciplinary meetings per month. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform specialized procedures, such as IV therapy, only when qualified with specialty training, proving competency, clinical background and expertise in the specialty area.
- Hospice personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, hospice personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job-related skills and abilities. All personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.
- Mobility, reaching, bending, lifting, grasping, ability to read and write, ability to communicate with personnel and patients, ability to remain calm under stress and the ability to travel.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be a registered nurse with a current state license.
- Must have current certification of CPR.
- Must have a minimum of 1 year general nursing experience with current Hospice, medical, surgical or critical care experience. Experience with providing pain management and IV skills preferred.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
- Must be knowledgeable of Medicare hospice certification.
- Must have experience in providing services to terminally ill patients.
- Must be a licensed driver with a reliable automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements.
- Must demonstrate excellent observation, nursing judgment and communication skills.
- Must possess the ability to provide good written documentation in a timely manner.
- Must be self-directed with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Must be available to work weekday nights and weekends.
- Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.
- Must be able to relate professionally and positively to corporate staff and to work cooperatively with other associates at all levels.
- Must meet all local health regulations, pass post-offer drug test and pass post-employment physical exam if required.
- Must be capable of performing the essential job functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Community home environment.
- Exposure to infectious diseases.
- In and out of automobile.
Contact
Laura Angstadt - Corporate Recruiter