STAFF NURSE- HOME PALLIATIVE CARE

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The primary purpose of this position is to provide clinical leadership and direction of patient care, provide patient and family teaching, and work cooperatively within the interdisciplinary team in maintaining standards of nursing care within the framework of the Ohio Nurse Practice Act.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Assesses the patient’s and family’s physical, psychosocial, environmental, safety and developmental needs.
• Develops an individualized plan of care based on the assessments.
• Assesses all aspects of the patient’s pain and develops an individualized pain management plan.
• Anticipates, prevents and treats undesirable symptoms or secondary symptoms.
• Supports, instructs and educates the patient, family and caregiver.
• Documents problems, nursing assessments, appropriate goals, care provided, care interventions and patient and family outcomes.
• Coordinates all patient and family services with the interdisciplinary group (IDG).
• Maintains the dignity of the patient with serious or life-limiting illness.
• Supports the patient’s and family’s unique spiritual and cultural beliefs.
• Participates in the IDG meeting to include exchange of information, review of problems, and sharing of professional support.
• Consults and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and other involved in the patient’s care.
• Administers medications and treatments according to the Ohio Board of Nursing Nurse Practice Act
• Performs other activities or tasks within the scope of practice of the registered nurse.
• Provides holistic, family-centered care across treatment setting to improve the quality of life.
• Displays a positive and professional image and attitude in all relationships with patients, families, peers and in the community
• Participates in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) program
• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting the needs of the program and responds positively to changes in workflow.
• Complies with agency infection control and safety policies.
• Completes annual competency requirements.
• Consistently communicates requests, suggestions, concerns or problems to the appropriate personnel.
• Consistently completes assigned responsibilities in required time frame and accepts additional duties and responsibilities as requested by Unit Director.
• Protects patient health information according HIPAA Privacy Rule and Aultman policies.
• Creates and fosters a work environment that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Aultman Health Foundation.
• Supports strategic organizational goals.
• Abides by the Aultman Code of Conduct at all times.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principle functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent to this position.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                         

• Graduate of an approved and accredited school of nursing, BSN preferred. Certification preferred for those meeting eligibility requirements.  Membership in professional nursing organization preferred.    
• Current State of OH RN license.
• Two years recent nursing experience in acute, long-term care or homecare/hospice, with at least one in hospice, palliative, or home care preferred.
• Must be able to work independently, have demonstrated patient teaching skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Current BLS certification
• Valid OH Drivers License
•  Must have own transportation and provide proof of current liability insurance        
• Basic computer skills                                                                              

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Hours of operation with shifts as assigned.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day.
• Subject to emergency and other crisis situations
• Hazardous Exposure Category 1
• Sitting/standing/moving about during working hours (see attached Physical Requirements Addendum for details)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM

PURPOSE:  To identify specific functions job requirements and work environment factors that could affect job performance.

Check all factors that are present as essential job requirements and check whether the factor is performed.

O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or   0- 32   repetitions.

F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200 repetitions.             

C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200 repetitions.

N = Not essential job requirement.

C             Standing

C             Walking

O             Lifting (70 pounds)

O             Carrying (70 pounds)

O             Pushing (70 pounds)

N             Climbing with (70 pounds)

O             Stooping/Bending

O           Twisting/Turning

O             Kneeling/Squatting

O             Crawling

O             Reaching Up/Reaching Forward

Additional information concerning physical requirements for the position:

Performing patient care responsibilities as required

HAZARDOUS EXPOSURE CATEGORY

Category 1