RN Hospice

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                                   RN - Hospice

REPORTS TO POSITION:                   Nurse Manager - Hospice

DEPARTMENT:                                    Hospice           

DATE LAST REVIEWED:                     March 4, 2024

OUR VISION:                Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:             In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:              Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY: St. Charles Hospice provides end of life care services to patients and their families. Hospice addresses the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of patient and family from admission through bereavement utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to care that includes physicians, registered nurses, chaplains, aide’s social workers, volunteers and counselors.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Hospice RN administers skilled nursing care to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Hospice Director. The Hospice RN will provide quality patient and family centered care as a member of the hospice interdisciplinary team in accordance with St. Charles Health System mission, philosophy, policies, and procedures.  As a nurse, this position will oversee the work of other caregivers, providing specific care to assigned patient(s) throughout the shift, as required under the scope of the RN licensure. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Maintains and demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of palliative nursing principles, practices, standards, and techniques and applies this knowledge in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and work instructions and within laws and regulations governing nursing practice in the State of Oregon.

Reports to assigned locations in an appropriate manner and enters patient’s homes, assisted living and long-term care residences, jails or other designated locations in compliance with that facilities protocol(s). Adheres to outside agency’s conduct guidelines.

Assesses the patient’s condition and needs using critical thinking and clinical judgment: sets outcomes; implements appropriate nursing actions and collaborates with the Interdisciplinary team to meet the patient’s/family’s physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and intellectual needs; and evaluates patient’s progress.

Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process.

Acts as Case Manager and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload.   Meets productivity standards set forth by the Hospice department.

Calculates dosages and administers medications accurately in accordance with St. Charles Health System policies and procedures for medication administration.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, guests and volunteers.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory agencies.

Completes, maintains and submits accurate, timely and relevant clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given.  Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.

Demonstrates awareness of and supports St. Charles Health System’s departmental and operating unit goals through participation in continuous quality improvement and departmental activities.

Participates in activities that promote professional growth and development of self and others.

Communicates (both written and orally) effectively and maintains professional relationships with caregivers, medical staff, patients, volunteers and families.

Identifies work-related problems with possible solutions and implements solution(s) (within scope of practice), when appropriate.

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Applies standards for professional nursing practice and focuses clinical care to enhance the experience for patients, families, and all others.

Responsible to manage the patient’s experience by clarifying, integrating, and coordinating the roles of the interdisciplinary team.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient’s care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

EDUCATION                

Required: As required by licensure

Preferred: BSN

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required:  Current Oregon RN license.

Current AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.

Valid Oregon driver's license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements.

Preferred: N/A 

EXPERIENCE

Required: 1 year RN experience in which assessment skills and critical thinking have been used regularly.

Preferred: Recent hospice experience. 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION: 
Skills:

Communication/Interpersonal

Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population and professionally represent St. Charles Health System. 

Organizational

Ability to multi-task and work independently 

Attention to detail

Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful personal interactions

Strong analytical, problem solving and decision making skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers.

Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs.

Never (0%):  Climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area).

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%):  Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

Caregiver Type:

Shift:

Is Exempt Position?

Job Family:

Scheduled Days of the Week:

Shift Start & End Time: