RN Hospice

Position Summary:
To provide professional palliative nursing care to assigned clients in support of the client's physician and Hospice Interdisciplinary Team and pursuant to the objectives and policies of the Hospice Services Department.

Qualifications:
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in in Nursing

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Registered Professional Nurse (RN) License Current licensure in good standing as a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois. Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days and Driver's License upon hire.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.
• Work may occasionally require travel to other facilities/hospitals.
• Required to drive your own vehicle for business purposes.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Required English Skills Advanced reading skillsAdvanced writing skillsAdvanced oral skillsCommunication Skills Ability to respond appropriately to customer/co-workerInteraction with a wide variety of peopleMaintain confidential informationAbility to communicate only the facts to recipients or to decline to reveal informationAbility to project a professional, friendly, helpful demeanorComputer Skills Basic computer knowledge: Uses word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail application, and web browser. Comfortable within a Windows OS and learning new applications.Familiarity with home care software and email use

Essential Functions:

• * Utilizes the nursing process to ensure quality palliative care to all clients and their caregivers/families. * Assumes screening/admission responsibilities of clients that are referred to hospice and gathers and documents appropriate medical and financial data to assure a timely admission to hospice as appropriate. * Initiates the plan of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team upon admission and continues to provide quality nursing care on an intermittent basis following the plan of care. * Completes thorough ongoing systematic assessments on all clients based upon client status/needs. * Implements, modifies and evaluates the plan of care on an ongoing basis. * Evaluates, formulates and communicates education with the client, caregivers and families based on their changing needs. * Supervises and directs client care provided by the Hospice C.N.A.'s.
• * Ensures quality care management by providing appropriate documentation, communication, collaboration and other follow-up and by using time, supplies and resources productively. * Ensures quality and safe delivery of care. * Respects client confidentiality in all communication. * Communicates to the physician changes in the client's condition or status. * Obtains, interprets, clarifies and implements physician orders. * Communication and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team as client needs change. * Attends and participates in the weekly Interdisciplinary Team Meetings and monthly nurses meetings. * Participates in departmental task teams as appropriate. * Reports to the Clinical Coordinator or designee all problems encountered with client care. * Uses time, supplies and other resources productively to provide responsive and cost-effective client care. * Completes appropriate documentation according to MMCI Hospice policies/procedures and regulatory bodies' requirements: * Referral Form * Worksheet for Determining Prognosis * Interdisciplinary Team Progress Notes * Interdisciplinary Plan of Care * Physician Orders * Interdisciplinary Admission and Physical * Medication Record * Nursing Assessment * Narrative Documentation * C.N.A. Request * Death Note * On Call Communication Sheet * Patient Transfer Form * MMCI Event Reporting Form * Completes the IA, Death, Change of Location and Discharge logs in a timely manner. * Submits legible clinical documentation in a timely manner using the MMCI Approved Abbreviation List and Prohibited Abbreviations
• * Demonstrates punctuality and flexibility in the work schedule to meet the needs of the client and caregiver/family. * Recognizes and prioritizes client needs to ensure quality care. * Organizes visit schedule to ensure clients are seen within the scheduled workday. * Utilizes time so that client care is maximized. * Demonstrates flexibility in the work schedule to meet the needs of the client and caregiver/family. * Is responsible for rotating on-call coverage for weekends and holidays as assigned. * Prioritizes on-call client triage as appropriate. * Responds positively/willingly to requests to assist in covering extra nursing visits and on-call coverage.
• * Demonstrates evidence of professional growth and development by maintaining a current knowledge base regarding nursing and palliative care trends. Shows evidence of quality improvement in the processes of hospice care. * Assumes responsibility for being informed about developments in health care and specifically Hospice care. * Identifies personal and professional learning needs by participating in educational opportunities. * Shares education with staff members, clients and caregivers/families as appropriate. * Maintains all departmental and MMCI educational requirements including, but not limited to: * Current Illinois License * CPR Certification * IV Therapy * Competencies * Other certifications required by MMCI and/or Hospice.