Palliative RN or LPN

JOB DESCRIPTION:
As a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, the Palliative Nurse shall be responsible to the Manager of Palliative Services and works under the general direction of the attending Physician, in provision of the comfort and health of patients and families.

DUTIES:
1. Performs patient assessments that include the patient’s physical, psychosocial, emotional, and environmental needs, including functional status, ADLs and fall risk.
2. Collaborate with the patient’s care team in developing and implementing the plan of care.
3. Report condition of patient and any changes to the interdisciplinary group.
4. Act as patient advocate with the attending physician and other care providers involved in the patient’s care to manage discomfort and provide symptom relief.
5. Assist in coordinating care and services with the interdisciplinary group.
6. Incorporate specialized nursing skills related to palliative care into all clinical care provided to patients.
7. Provide patient and family/caregiver education regarding the disease process, self-care techniques, and processes for addressing ethical issues.
8. Implement appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
9. Prepare clinical notes that demonstrate progress toward established goals, in a timely manner.
10. LPNs will perform nursing care, acting under their scope of practice under the supervision of a registered nurse.
11. Supervises and assists in teaching other nursing personnel as needed.
12. Adhere to all of HHPC policy and procedures to include state guidelines on Infection Control and PPE requirements. Maintain required testing and training related to these guidelines.
13. Participates in required in-services and meetings as set forth by nursing supervisors or department heads.
14. Participates in back-up on call responsibilities.
15. Participates in coverage for vacation and absences as needed.
16. Perform all tasks assigned by Manager of Palliative Services or designee.

WORKING CONDITION AND HAZARDS:
Work includes driving personal vehicle to office and to patients’ home and visiting or attending patients in various degrees of cleanliness and physical comfort. Varying types of weather and road conditions are encountered, along with working/driving during hours of darkness. Employee may be exposed to persons in physical distress, including pain and disfigurement. Physical contact with patients may include exposure to body fluids and odors. Direct care contact with patients places employee in “high-risk” category for exposure to infectious disease and/or blood-borne pathogens. Difficult personalities, depressed and anxious individuals, stressful situations and intense grief are frequently encountered. Working hours are set by nursing manager but may be extended depending on daily workload/patient needs PRN. Visiting schedule set by individual patient/family needs and schedule.