30 hours weekly - 8a-6p - can be Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Saturday, Sunday, Monday

JOB TITLE: Weekend Hospice RN

DEPARTMENT: Home Health-Hospice

ACCOUNTABILITY: Director of Hospice

WORK AREAS: McLean, Community and Client Homes

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for skilled nursing assessments and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families consistent with McLean Hospice Program policies. Identifies patient/family needs; provides supportive care and ensures appropriate services are made available in accordance with the attending physician’s orders and the interdisciplinary plan of care. Participates as a member of the hospice interdisciplinary team.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND COMPETENCIES: (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.):

1. Maintains the Standards of Nursing excellence in accordance with the principles set forth by the Connecticut State Health Department, NPCO, CHA, Federal Hospice Benefit, Conditions of Participation and agency policies and procedures.

2. Initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient and/or family.

3. Obtains data on physical, psychological, social, spiritual and bereavement risk factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporates that data into the plan of care.

4. Provides nursing care in accordance with physician orders and the Hospice IDT plan of care.

5. 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. Documents comprehensive assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation of the nursing process information clearly and concisely in a timely manner.

6. Instructs primary caregivers, volunteers and employed caregivers to provide care as indicated.

7. Communicates regularly with the hospice interdisciplinary team, and facility care team to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, shares professional support and exchanges feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth. Seeks input from other team members regarding the patient plan of care to obtain additional knowledge and support.

8. Attends patient conferences/IDT and facilitates discussion of issues from caseload for staff discussion, consultation and evaluation.

9. Informs the Hospice Clinical Supervisor of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues. Maintains regular communication with team leader and nursing supervisor.

10. Shares in providing 24-hr, seven-day/week coverage to patient/families when necessary. This includes evenings, week-ends and holidays as needed.

11. Provides appropriate support at time of death and performs bereavement assessments as requested.

12. Participates in McLean Hospice’s orientation and in-service training programs for professional, volunteer and facility staff, as requested.

13. Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of the state of Connecticut, which aids in determining policies. Adheres to all McLean Hospice & Palliative Care policies and procedures

14. Maintains current knowledge and practice of total symptom management and infectious disease protocols.

15. Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional development and maintenance of the art skill of hospice and palliative care nursing. Hospice nurses are expected to accrue 6 hours of inservice in the field of hospice annually.

16. Orients HHA/CNA/Companions and Homemakers to the plan of care per policy. Updates plan of care for HHA/CNA, Homemakers and Companions. Assist Primary Care nurse in supervision and documents observance of the home health aide delivery of care every two weeks.

17. Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of competency and license to practice as directed by the Director of Hospice.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires corrected vision and hearing within normal range. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Includes walking, climbing stairs, driving/travel, flexible scheduling. Ability to roll, pull or push up to 80 pounds.

Typical Working Conditions: Variable work loads; Contact with terminally ill patients and their families. Exposure to emotional stress and individual lifestyles. Exposure to infection, communicable diseases, odors, blood, excreta, hazardous materials and inclement weather. Exposure to family, visitors, volunteers, household staff and pets. Light office work, and use of equipment such as computers, telephones, fax and copy machines. May include after-hours work, including on-call and weekend hours.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge, Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of solid nursing skills, including assessment, process and practice; demonstrated skill working with life threatening and chronic illness. Knowledge and competency in responding to needs of the patient and families in varied settings, in particular when in crisis or under heavy emotional stress. Knowledge and ability to use infusion pumps, glucometers, pulse oximeters, suction machines, oxygen machines, nebulizer machines, IV and tube feeding pumps and various other DME equipment required to care for the dying patient. Ability to work effectively to build relationships with patient and families, licensed, paraprofessionals and volunteers. Ability to teach/educate patient and families. Ability to manage caseload efficiently and appropriately. Ability to use solid communication skills and abide to the highest level of personal, professional, ethical and legal standards. Ability to adhere to regulatory guidelines.

Education:

R.N., BSN preferred from an accredited educational institution.

Certification/License:

Current CT R.N. License; Current CT motor vehicle license.

Experience:

Minimum of two years varied work experience as a professional nurse; preferably in either a home care or hospice setting.

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