Assess, plan and provide skilled nursing care for a group of hospice patients; making nursing decisions and judgments based on nursing process of assessment, planning, interventions, implementation, and evaluation.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

·         Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of multi system assessment and reassessment.

·         Demonstrates the ability to coordinate effective patient/family education and discharge and transfer planning.

·         Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and reporting mechanism.

·         Demonstrates appropriate care in regards to patient’s cultural beliefs, values and religion.

·         Accurate assessment of patient care needs and eligibility for services.

·         Demonstrates the use of sterile technique with dressing changes.

·         Maintains an awareness of patient’s condition and nursing care needs.  Promotes care of the total patient with awareness of psychological, social, cultural, religious and family needs.

·         Demonstrates effective pain management techniques.

·         Demonstrates the ability to perform vein punctures and follows correct IV administration policy.

·         Participates in evaluation of patient’s care needs and does care plans and updates.

·         Demonstrates ability to coordinate each patient’s care and role each person should play in obtaining these goals.

·         Observes patient’s condition and reports abnormal reactions and changes in patient condition to physician.

·         Responds and performs appropriately and effectively in emergency situations.

·         Demonstrates knowledge of how to use equipment pertaining to patient care.  How to maintain and clean equipment.

·         Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills using the lines of authority appropriately.

·         CPR certification and Heimlich maneuver.

·         Has knowledge and demonstrates appropriate care for patients’ growth and developmental needs.

·         Follows through on tests or procedures left from previous day and reports on any incomplete assignments to assure continuity of care.

·         Has knowledge and demonstrates appropriate care of nutritional needs.

·         Complies with NARMC HIPAA Privacy and Security policies.

·         Accurate assessment of patient care needs and eligibility for services.

·         Implements appropriate nursing intervention to meet patient needs and changed condition according to physician orders.

·         Completes the admission process timely and according to agency policy.

·         Updates and coordinates patient care in cooperation with other members of the health care team, including care conference/ IDT Meetings.

·         Report to physician/patient/family the progression of the care given to patient.

·         Ensures the patient record documentation reflects delivery of quality and safe home care services.

·         Works closely with LPNs and home health aides providing delegation, instruction and supervision as necessary.

·         Maintains a professional standard of nursing in the patient’s home that reflects the philosophy and professional standards of the department and regulatory bodies.

·         Maintains a minimum standard of four to five visits per 8 hours worked, which includes all related paper work.

·         Demonstrates awareness of cost controls and strives to reduce department costs.

·         Supports hospital and departmental policies.

·         Maintains strict patient confidentiality.

·         Assists with orientation of new employees as requested.

·         Performs supervisory visits of home health aides and LPNs per regulatory requirements.

·         Submits required paperwork accurately and timely in accordance with Agency policy and Federal and State regulations.

·         Demonstrates accurate/efficient utilization of equipment/supplies.

·         Prioritizes and utilizes time efficiently.

·         Demonstrates flexibility to departmental demands and scheduling.

·         Sound, effective decision making in all aspects of job performance.

·         Develops and maintains effective communications mechanisms with staff members and other departments of the hospital, physicians, families and the community.

·         Demonstrates awareness of responsibility and accountability for own actions and assigned responsibilities.

·         Rotates on-call with other nurses.

·         Reviews departmental policy & procedures yearly.

·         Understands responsibility to report issues with privacy, fraud and abuse, compliance and ethical conduct.

·         Communicates at appropriate comprehension level to patients/families.

·         Follows through on all patient requests in a timely manner

·         Demonstrates professional medical care to the sick and disabled without regard to race, sex, age, creed, religion or inability to pay.

·         Is an active participant in Departmental and/ or Team Meetings.

·         Reports directly to the Clinical Supervisor and ultimately to the Director of Home Health & Hospice all lapses in patient care and other employee issues.

·         Performs job duties as a team member to assure the effectiveness of, and harmony within, the department.

·         Dresses appropriately and meets hygiene standards.

·         Creates a positive image of Hospice of the Hills and NARMC at all times.

·         Ensures the clinical record documentation reflects delivery of quality and safe hospice services for each patient in caseload.

·         Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills using the lines of authority appropriately.

·         Demonstrates awareness of responsibility and accountability for own actions and assigned responsibilities.

·         Assures that individualized patient instruction is provided to each aide involved in the patient’s case as appropriate & care plan is completed.

·         Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities.

·         Performs other duties as assigned.