Position Summary

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide, coordinate, and direct the provision of hospice services according to physician’s orders and patient plan of treatment based on hospice policies and procedures, through the application of the nursing process.

Relationships

Reports to:  Area Clinical Manager

Others:  Interacts with IDT and administrative staff

Duties and Responsibilities

• Steward the philosophy/mission of PH Healthcare which focuses on the overriding values of human dignity and respectful response to the needs of persons with life threatening/terminal and/or chronic illnesses.
• Serve as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and attends meetings.
• Follow the Nursing Standards of PH Healthcare.
• Demonstrate familiarity with policies of the hospice, state, and federal regulations pertaining to hospice and general nursing services.
• Implement hospice nursing care in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Area Clinical Manager as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
• Participate in the hospice quality assurance program as directed by the Area Clinical Manager.
• Build effective relationships with contracted facility nursing staff to ensure that the hospice care service is well integrated into the facility plan of care for hospice patients.
• Full and appropriate documentation of direct patient care services to support successful professional billing of these services.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.
• Supervise Hospice Aide care.
• Supervise CNA schedules.
• Report occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and hazardous chemicals in accordance with the hospice’s policies and procedures governing accidents and incidents.

Nursing Care Functions

• Accept responsibility for the coordination of the physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers and family members as necessary.
• Maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Inform hospice and facility staff of unusual or potentially problematic patient and/or family issues.
• Provide appropriate support at time of death.
• Provide the Area Clinical Manager with information relative to the nursing needs of the patient.
• Initiate communication with hospice physician, attending physician, other hospice staff members, facility staff, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient and family.
• Maintains regular communication with facility nursing staff to review care including attending SNF care plan meetings.
• Assign personal care tasks to Hospice Aides according to the plan of care.
• Maintains a liaison with the patient, their families, support departments, etc., to adequately plan for the patients’ needs.

Qualifications

Must possess, as a minimum, a Nursing Degree from an accredited college or university and be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of South Carolina.  1 year of experience as a nurse in a hospital, long-term care facility, or other related health care facility is preferred.  Hospice experience also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess a current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse in this state.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of hospice nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to hospice.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must have effective computer skills for documentation purposes.
• Must have knowledge in HIPAA compliance and regulations.

Working Conditions

• Requires travel within the agency’s service area in personal automobile, therefore, must have a current driver’s license, auto insurance, and have the ability to operate an automobile.
• Works in office area(s), community, and long-term care facilities.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with patients, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.  On call rotation required.
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.