Staff Registered Nurse (RN) PRN

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for coordinating the interdisciplinary Plan of Care for assigned patients/families, providing appropriate interventions and support for the patients/families/caregivers by identifying their physical, psychological, social, economic and spiritual needs, and actively participating as a member of the interdisciplinary team by providing these interventions.

 QUALIFICATIONS

Education:  Graduation from an accredited school of nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Experience:  Previous nursing experience in a hospital, home health agency, or hospice preferred; new graduates also eligible.
Licensure:  Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Arkansas.
Additional Requirements:  Ability to work flexible hours and occasional overtime required.  CPR certification required (Little Rock Inpatient Center).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides safe, high quality, and comprehensive nursing care to assigned patients, families and caregivers; coordinates development and revision of the patient’s Plan of Care.
2. Performs ongoing physical and emotional assessment of patient/family for admission to hospice; assesses patient/family/caregiver for response and acceptance of the hospice concept; provides accurate information regarding services and expectations for care.
3. In collaboration with the hospice physician, provides patient care which emphasizes the relief of pain and physical discomfort and addresses the spiritual needs and emotional stresses which may accompany a life-threatening illness.
4. Obtains data on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status; incorporates the data into the plan of care as indicated.
5. Promotes effective written and verbal communication with patients, families, interdisciplinary team members, and other health care providers.  Initiates communication with the attending physician and other community resources to report changes and coordinate optimal care and use of resources for assigned patients/families.
6. 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.
7. Documents care given daily according to organizational guidelines.
8. Provides education and information about hospice and hospice care for patients, families, team members, and the community. Teaches families and caregivers appropriate techniques for providing patient care.
9. Uses equipment and supplies effectively and efficiently.  Orders supplies, medications, and equipment appropriately.
10. Actively participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and other care plan meetings.
11. Conducts evaluations of CNA’s and/or LPN’s according to state health and federal regulations.
12. Actively participates in QAPI program.
13. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
14. Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
15. Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
16. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
17. Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
18. Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.
19. Performs other duties as assigned.

 COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS.  THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

 Knowledge of palliative care with emphasis on symptom control associated with   terminal illness.

1. Knowledge of the holistic approach toward patient care and the nursing process as it applies to hospice patients and families.
2. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.
3. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
4. Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and other customers.
7. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.
8. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
9. Ability to work as a team player.
10. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
11. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it requires the regular handling of confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine. Any lapse of attention could have a significant impact on Arkansas Hospice and/or its patients, and could result in injury, illness, or death. For the safety and health of yourself and others, you must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and concentrate for long periods of time while performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine.