Registered Nurse - Outpatient

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional hospice nursing care to patients and caregivers. A coordinated plan of care is established with participation with the hospice team. The delivery of care is consistent with the goals, philosophy and mission of Iowa River Hospice (IRH). He/she must demonstrate decorum when engaging and communicating with other healthcare providers. He/she must maintain high standards of integrity and business ethics, and provide all patient care in accordance with current professional standards of practice and regulatory requirements

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provides services in accordance with IRH policies and procedures and all regulations that define the RN scope of practice in the hospice setting.

Assess the patient, documents assessments and clinical notes on the relevant services and the patient’s response to care he/she provides.

Assesses and documents care provided upon admission and ongoing; the ability of the caregiver to meet the patient’s immediate needs and continuing care.

Provides skilled nursing care, including treatments prescribed by Health Care Providers (HCP) to the patient both in the home setting, hospice home, hospitals and nursing facilities with a focus on pain and symptom management.

Submits documentation per IRH policy.

When the patient is a resident in a nursing facility, RN will coordinate the implementation of the plan of care with the facility and will respond to questions and concerns from the nursing facility.

Assists the physician in performing specialized nursing services.

Evaluates on an ongoing basis the patient and care-givers situation with attention to the physical needs of the patient. Assess the patient/caregiver’s response to care and adjusts the Plan of Care accordingly.

Provides education to the patient and caregivers regarding the care, medication administration and other identified needs related to the illness of the patient and levels of care provided by IRH.

Provides emotional support to the patient/caregiver through anticipatory guidance, during the dying and grieving process.

Prepares equipment and materials for treatment adhering to Infection Control and Transmission Based Practices.Maintains close communication with the patient’s HCP reporting all significant changes in patient’s status and collaborates with the HCP to develop treatment protocols which are consistent with hospice palliative care guidelines. Promptly obtains written orders.

Communicates and collaborates with the patient’s HCP and other members of the Iowa River Hospice Interdisciplinary Team to contribute to the patients Plan of Care.

Serves as an active member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) by sharing clinical expertise to help ensure quality hospice care and welcoming expertise that is shared by other team members.

Supervises Hospice Aides (HA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or other members of the IDT providing care to the patient.

Develops a written Hospice Aide Care Plan based on the patient/caregiver needs when HA services are provided.Outpatient Nurses perform and document a supervisory visit per regulatory guidelines Conditions of Participation (CoP’s ) when a HA is providing services to a patient.

Performs patient chart reviews, as needed or assigned.

Participates in the Iowa River Hospice Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement program, Interdisciplinary Team Meetings, annual required education requirements, staff meetings and in-services programs as assigned.

Hospice certification (CHPN) is highly recommended after 2 years of part-time or full-time employment.

Maintains patient confidentiality and abides by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirement to use Protected Health Information in accordance with agency-determined minimum necessary information guidelines and Privacy Practices.

Abides by Iowa River Hospice rules, policies and procedures and the applicable laws and regulations.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:Current Iowa Registered Nurse License.Current CPR certification.

EXPERIENCE:Minimum of two (2) years in acute care, long term care, home health, care of terminal patients and others with life limiting illness or hospice experience is preferred.

PERFORMANCE:Demonstrate ability to manage all aspects of terminal care with expertise in pain and symptom management, quality improvement, compliance and hospice care.Demonstrate expertise in both written and oral communication.Demonstrate ability to execute an effective, supportive, sensitive approach in response to needs of staff and patient/family during end-of-life and bereavementCurrent state driver’s license and mechanism for transportation. Proof of current auto insurance coverage.A desire for continued professional growth and development.Physical and emotional health necessary for performing job. Utilizes proper body mechanics while performing all physical care.Must have ability to follow instructions from the physicians, RN supervisors and other professional staff.Must report abnormal and/or pertinent findings to the patient’s Health Care Provider (HCP).