BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Services, the Registered Nurse serves as primary nurse and case manager for assigned patients, ensuring that each receives appropriate services by the hospice interdisciplinary team. The RN provides direct nursing care to patients in accordance with current Federal and State guidelines and to ensure that the highest degree of quality care is maintained at all times.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Respond to calls from patients or family in a timely and professional manner

Perform nursing duties according to Hospice Nursing Standard of Practice and Hospice of the Golden Isles policies and procedures.

Display critical thinking skills to problem solving and manage patients and family issues according to Hospice and Standard of Practice and HGI policies and procedures.

Maintain excellent direct care nursing skills.

Complete required documentation in an informative and descriptive manner on each patient each day.

Review and update care plans based on patient needs and according to HGI policies.

Develop and maintain a good working rapport with all personnel to ensure that nursing services can be adequately maintained to meet the needs of the patient and family.

Ensure a safe environment for patients receiving care at the Robinson Center and Jolley House.

Assess and identify emotional and physical pain and implement the NHPCA guidelines.

Supervise LPNs and CNAs.

Complete required documentation in an informative and descriptive manner on each patient each day.

Receive and transcribe physician orders accurately.

Prepare, administer, and sign off medications as ordered by the physician.

Ensure narcotic records are accurate at beginning and end of shift.

Dispose of drugs and narcotics as required and in accordance with HGI established procedure.

Triage calls from home patients and notify on call nurse as needed.

Admit, transfer, and discharge patients as necessary according to HGI policies and complete documentation as required.

Provide support to patient and family.

Appropriately answer patient and family questions about medical care and the end of life process.

Pronounce patient at time of death.

Inform supervisor of unusual or problematic patient family issues.

Maintain knowledge of hospice insurance sources and requirements.

Maintain up to date records using the EMR system so problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated according to HGI policies, best practice and regulatory requirements.

Answer patient and families' questions about medical care and the end-of-life process.

Successfully completes the annually required in-service as assigned.

Participates in QAPI program as appropriate.

Attends regular staff meetings as scheduled.

Displays critical thinking skills to problem solve and manage patient and family issues according to Hospice and Standard of Practice and HGI policies and procedures.

Informs supervisor of unusual, problematic patient/family issues.

Participates in emergency disaster processes as defined by HGI policies.

Demonstrates familiarity with HGI policies/procedures and follows state and federal regulatory requirements.

Performs assignments as directed.

Participates in Interdisciplinary team meeting as able.

Assures timely review of all emails and voice messages and responds as required.

Maintains the confidentiality of all patients.

Maintains a positive work atmosphere by demonstrating behavior and communicating in a professional manner suitable for interaction with customers, clients, co-workers and management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must possess a current license to practice as an RN in the State of Georgia. Must be knowledgeable of nursing practices and procedures. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must have the ability to deal tactfully with patients, family members, and visitors. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills; and computer use skills. Must have patience, tact and a cheerful dispositions and enthusiasm. Must demonstrate the ability to assess and manage pain and other symptoms of discomfort in patients. Must have the ability to cope with patient/family emotional stress and support individual beliefs/lifestyles. Must maintain current CPR certification, a driver’s license and auto insurance. The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Certification is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position requires moderate to intense visual concentration, reading, using a computer and reviewing patient charts. This position has daily contact with patients, families, medical facilities; physicians, physician office staff, vendors/suppliers and HGI staff requiring excellent communication and problem solving skills and professional demeanor. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50lbs utilizing proper lifting techniques and the mobility to drive, lift, bend or stoop either assisted or unassisted by devices. This position has a risk of exposure to infectious diseases requiring standard safety precautions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:This position is primarily within the hospice general in-patient and residential hospice facilities but could involve cross-trained support to the Field Team, as needed. The schedule includes 12 hour shifts and may involve evening and week-end shifts