Registered Nurse (RN) – Hospice

• Admits hospice patients, which includes performing an assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation.
• Performs patient assessments; obtains vital signs and appropriate data, evaluates data and intervenes as appropriate.
• Implements patient care plans; administers medications and intravenous solutions; records observations; and maintains records and reports. Maintain an accurate record of controlled substances and all medication given to each patient.
• Utilizes the nursing process to make recommendations for patient care; evaluates delivery of patient care and communicates to appropriate personnel relevant facts about patients, action taken and patient responses.
• Educates the patient and/or family on services provided and on physician’s orders.
• Provides on-going assessment of patient response to treatments, medications and teaching and applies interventions as appropriate. Updates and revises care plan as indicated.
• Follows agency and medical policies, emergency orders and nursing procedures.
• Directs the care given by the Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, and volunteers.
• Participates in chart audits and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Communicates with physicians to confirm and update patient’s plan of treatment. Contacts physicians as needed for patient symptom management.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices, and
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in clinical nursing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Proficiency in clinical skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to recognize the needs and concerns of others.
• Must have knowledge and be able to apply the principles of prevention of deformities, the normal range of motion, body mechanics and body alignment.
• Must have knowledge of the fundamental principles of human behavior and an appreciation of the effects of stress upon individuals and groups.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs with a second person present.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.