QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

1. Graduate of an accredited school of professional (registered) nursing. BSN preferred.

2. Maintains license as a Registered Nurse from the State of Michigan.

3. At least one year's general nursing experience is required with current Hospice, medical, surgical, or critical care experience. Has experience with providing good pain/symptom management, IV skills preferred.

4. Maintains current BLS certification.

5. Experience with issues concerning the terminally ill, and death/dying, and pain and symptom management.

6. Has presented a negative TB skin test and/or chest X-ray and other tests as required by Centrica Care Navigators.

7. Maintains a valid Michigan driver’s license and has the availability of a reliable, licensed and insured vehicle for use on the job, vehicle must be insured in accordance with the State of Michigan

8. Remains up-to-date on all routine immunizations required by LARA and agency policy.

SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The RN provides skilled professional nursing care to the patient/family/caregiver as prescribed by the physician and in compliance with regulations as established by the State Board of Registered Nursing, the patient, and the policies of Centrica Care Navigators.

1. Supervising Hospice Aides

2. Coordination of care

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the Hospice setting where patient/family/caregiver requires care.

2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.

3. Assesses and evaluates patient's status by:

A. Writing and initiating a Plan of Care;

B. Regularly re-evaluating patient/family/caregiver needs; and

C. Revising the Plan of Care as necessary.

4. Initiates and sustains as needed the implementation of orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the attending physician or designee.

5. Initiates and applies appropriate preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques and maintains communication regarding patient care with the attending physi­cian or designee, Director of Clinical Services, and other members of the Interdisciplinary Group.

6. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given.

7. Processes workflow for electronic medical record as needed.

8. Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.

9. Observes the patient for changes in condition and reports these changes and the patient /family/caregiver’s needs to the attending physician and appropriate members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Group. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.

10. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient's efforts toward self-sufficiency and optimal comfort care.

11. Individualizes and teaches the patient /family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the attending physician or designee and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patient’s/families/caregivers. Works together with the other Interdisciplinary Group members.

12. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.

13. Assesses and evaluates patient’s nutritional status as needed and provides counseling and/or nutritional recommendations.

14. Assists the patient /family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.

15. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and the Interdisciplinary Group members to meet the emotional needs of the patient /family/caregiver.

16. Supervises ancillary personnel and delegates responsibilities when required.

17. Performs within the limits of preparation and experience.

18. Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure, such as IV Therapy, only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical back­ground, and expertise in the specialty area.

19. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades

professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and inservice classes.

20. Shares in responsibility of providing 24 hours per day, seven (7) days a week on-call coverage to patients/families/caregivers.

21. Attends Interdisciplinary Group meetings.

22. Stays informed about changes in the field of Hospice care; shares information with appropriate Hospice personnel and administrative personnel.

23. Promotes Hospice referrals in the community; maintains a good standing in the community.