Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Effective Date: 1/2007
Job Description: The Registered Nurse is directly responsible to the Patient Care Coordinator (PCC).
The Registered nurse is responsible for supervising the care delivery to her patient/family caseload. The Registered Nurse is advised of other patient/families currently receiving Hospice care to assist with call coverage.
Responsibilities and Functions:
Professional and clinical services
Perform new patient intake assessments, including physical, psychological, social, and spiritual parameters. Patients are assigned by the PCC.
Develops or assists with the development of a comprehensive plan of care for patients based on the assessment.
Coordinates care with the Hospice team i.e. Hospice staff, primary physician, volunteers, clergy and patient/family.
Supervises and / or provides direct patient care within the guidelines of nursing practice in the State of Montana and as defined by Big Horn Hospice.
Makes appropriate referrals to other community agencies as determined by patient/family needs and resources.
Provides bereavement follow up and/or referral within the guidelines of Hospice’s bereavement policy.
Shares in 24 hour call coverage as assigned by the Director. Call coverage is for all active Hospice patient/families and new referrals received.
Assists in the selection of Hospice volunteers for specific patient/families. Introduces and supervises the volunteers, when necessary.
Attends volunteer support and educational meetings as schedule allows.
Attends a minimum of six staff inservices per year.
Educational and outreach
The staff nurse will assist in public education presentations when appropriate.
The staff nurse will assist in volunteer training presentations as needed
Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited registered nursing program.
Demonstrates knowledge of an ability to apply sound nursing principles to Hospice care.
Demonstrates ability to supervise volunteers.
Maintains current RN licensure in the State of Montana.