RN HOME CARE (33578)

JD Rev. November 2021

Essential Functions

Provide individualized nursing care in accordance with Hospice philosophies and standards, provide education to patients and families, conduct nursing assessments, effectively provide symptom management, and collaborate care of the patient with the interdisciplinary team.

This position may be Full-Time or Part-Time and will be designated at time of employment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct

Supervise, direct and document patient care activities of the CNA in the patient homes monthly.

Supervise care provided by LPN when LPN is assigned to home care of a patient.

Indirect

Temporarily serve as Team Manager when requested by supervisor.

Challenges in Position

Take call on rotating basis after business hours and on holidays as assigned for patient care issues and make visits as indicated by patient and family needs. Deal effectively and professionally with grief, high anxiety, and emotions related to death and dying on a daily basis. Ability to work flexible schedule, ability to evaluate situations as they occur, prioritize and coordinate patient care needs as they arise on a daily basis.

Decision Making Latitude

Individual Decision Making Parameters

Act on physicians orders; use nursing judgment to assess patients for critical changes, implements symptom management protocols as ordered by physician.

In Collaboration with Management

Anything not currently defined by Georgia / Alabama State Nurse Practice Act, policies and procedures, State license regulations, or appropriate physician orders.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with professionalism and mutual respect for all. The requirements in this job description are representative of knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school required

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university;

One year related experience required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, Vaccines

Valid Alabama and Georgia Nursing License required

Influenza vaccine during influenza season required

Valid drivers license, good driving record, and proof of insurance required

Dependable personal transportation required

Current BLS CPR certification required

Mathematical Skills

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as medication dosages.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Equipment and Machines Used

Computer / iPad Printer / Copier Telephone / Cell Phone

Fax Automobile Timekeeping System

EMR System Travel Mapping Tools Secure Staff Communication System

Medication infusion pumps / gases / equipment

All other routine or specialized office, company or medical equipment.

Position Requirements (not all-inclusive)

Assessment, both initial and on going, of the patient's and family needs, to include : physical, social and emotional or spiritual needs, with prompt, appropriate follow-up and referrals as needed.

Develop a comprehensive nursing and team care plan in conference with the other members of the Interdisciplinary Team, updating the care plan weekly and more frequently as needed.

Seek optimal symptom and pain control for the patients through attentive and thorough examination and follow up.

Keep the attending physician apprised of patients status and request appropriate changes in care in accordance with established guidelines.

Coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator in assigning, directing, and supporting volunteers.

Seek appropriate spiritual support for the patient / family through patient's personal clergy or hospice chaplain.

Provide necessary on-going information, and teaching to the patient / family including hospice protocol, emergencies and on call procedures.

Solicit help from other members of the team as well as other agencies or organizations, as appropriate.

Help patient / family to prepare for the death of the patient but maintain hope. Encourage pre-planning.

Encourage family and friends to actively participate in the patient's care, providing education and support per the plan of care.

Accurate and timely recording of all phases of the patient's care to include re-certifications and physicians orders.

When possible attend funerals, and then withdraw from active family support, leaving bereavement to support the family.

Participate in Interdisciplinary Team meetings, serving as a positive, participative team member.

Participate in the hospice call system, as assigned.

Assume other duties as assigned by Team Manager to include acting temporarily as Team Manager.

Conduct home supervisory visits on LPN's and CNA's assigned to your patients care per policy.

Accurately count medications and order refills / obtain prescriptions to ensure that patients have the appropriate amount of medication in their homes to meet their care needs.

Perform death pronouncements following policy, to include medication destruction, and provide supportive care to assist the family through the initial period following the patients death.

Maintain a patient caseload and provide services per plan of care.

Acquire 15 continuing education hours per year, or will not be eligible for merit increases and may be subject to termination, as per policy. Of the required 15 hours per year least 12 hours must be in hospice-specific topics.

Takes all reasonable precautions to maintain privacy and non-disclosure of any confidential information about patients, other staff members, and the general operations of Columbus Hospice.

Represent the company in a positive and professional manner at all times with others, e.g., co-workers, management, vendors, and customers.

Complete all job responsibilities in a thorough and complete manner, utilizing good judgment in all aspects of the job.

When unsure of a directed task or any part of job responsibilities, proactively seek the assistance of immediate supervisor.

Ensure job responsibilities are met, including attendance requirements and prompt arrival at work.

Assist with special projects, as requested.

All other job duties as may be assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, day and night driving vision. Potential exposure to hostile environments, cigarette smoke, and pets.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Potential exposure to hostile environments, cigarette smoke, and pets.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a guide to the essential functions performed. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.