Registered Nurse (RN)

Primary Function

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Registered Nurse, RN, is a member of the interdisciplinary team who work together to meet the physical, medical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs of hospice patients and families facing terminal illness and bereavement. The Registered Nurse, RN, is designated to provide coordination of care, ensure continuous assessment of each patients and family’s needs and implementation of the interdisciplinary plan of care.

Job Responsibilities

Case Management and Supervision for Registered Nurse, RN

Registered Nurse, RN, follows VITAS policies and standards (See VITAS Standards Manual) and practices within the scope of the RN license and has knowledge of hospice eligibility requirements

Registered Nurse, RN, reports any request to practice outside of scope of license to the manager / supervisor

Registered Nurse, RN, performs supervision of (VITAS employed and contracted) nursing tasks delegated to Hospice Aides, Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses (and contracted Registered Nurses) and Volunteers per the plan of care

Registered Nurse, RN, completes initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments including physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and bereavement in order to provide palliation of end-of-life symptoms

Registered Nurse, RN, appropriately identifies / utilizes resources, referrals such as PT, OT, Home Health, Dietary, Pharmacy, Supplies, Home Medical Equipment, and other visits / consults

Registered Nurse, RN, completes documentation at the time of the event and at the location of care unless otherwise directed

Registered Nurse, RN, provides education and training to patients, families, caregivers and referral sources in the care of the patient, including pain management

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in patient care meetings as assigned

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in weekly team meetings

Registered Nurse, RN, provides effective communication / shift reports through written, verbal, reporting and body language

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in bereavement support

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in the on-call rotation and / or provides shifts during non-business hours such as evenings, weekends and holidays based upon program-identified needs

Registered Nurse, RN, provides visits / shifts in program coverage area

Registered Nurse, RN, works with IDG to develop, coordinate, and follow the patients individualized plan of care

Registered Nurse, RN, obtains physician orders when necessary

Registered Nurse, RN, provides those services requiring substantial and specialized nursing skill

Registered Nurse, RN, evaluates the outcome of services

Registered Nurse, RN, appropriately delegates nursing tasks to Hospice Aides / Homemakers, Volunteers, and Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurses

Connecticut : For activities other than those listed in section 19-13D69(d)(3) of the Connecticut Department of Public Health delegated to a Hospice / Homemaker, the RN will document in the clinical record that :

All factors pertinent to the patient’s safety, including the competence of the Hospice Aide / Homemaker have been assessed

ii. Determination that this activity can be delegated safely to a Hospice Aide / Homemaker

Registered Nurse, RN, provides nursing care including nursing tasks that may be delegated to other roles such as LPNs, HAs and Volunteers

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in and monitors patient and family care compliance activities

Registered Nurse, RN, professionally manages / coordinates the hospice plan of care

Registered Nurse, RN, provides and follows infection control practices

Registered Nurse, RN, delivers care in accordance with the patients plan of care.

Provides primary nursing care for inpatient and continuous care patients as assigned.

Quality Improvement

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program and related activities as assigned. For the Registered Nurse, RN, this may include, but is not limited to :

Registered Nurse, RN, participation in Performance Improvement Project(s) (PIP)

Registered Nurse, RN, gathering clinical data which is used for quality measures

Professional Development

Registered Nurse, RN, develops and achieves professional growth goals and objectives personally and per Team Manager reviews

Registered Nurse, RN, responsible for attending orientation and regularly scheduled in-services / educational conferences as assigned

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in orientation of Hospice Aides, Volunteers and other IDG members as assigned

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in training activities internally within VITAS and externally as assigned

Registered Nurse, RN, provides customer service

Registered Nurse, RN, maintains focus on the patient and family experience of care

Registered Nurse, RN, serves as a patient and family advocate

Registered Nurse, RN, reports patient / family / customer complaints to Team Manager

Registered Nurse, RN, participates in patient / family / customer conflict resolution as applicable

Registered Nurse, RN, represents the nursing profession, the VITAS site / location and VITAS overall in a positive manner

Job Requirements

Registered Nurse, RN, has reliable transportation with adequate insurance coverage for driver and passengers.

Registered Nurse, RN, has telephone available (cellular or land line)

Essential Functions / Physical Demands

The physical demands for the Registered Nurse, RN described in this job description 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 the Registered Nurse, RN, the employee is regularly required to :

Assist in lifting and transferring patients, as required.

Lift objects in excess of 20 pounds

Stand or walk in excess of one hour per day

Talk and hear

Specific vision abilities required for the Registered Nurse, RN include :

Close vision

Distance vision

Ability to adjust focus

The Registered Nurse, RN will be required to sit and stoop, kneel, and crouch.

Qualifications For The Registered Nurse, Rn

Currently licensed to practice nursing in the state where the VITAS program is located.

A minimum of two years of nursing experience in hospice, home health, or community health in the last five years.

Equivalent experience or licensure may be considered

DIRECTION RECEIVED

Reports directly to the Team Manager.

About Us

VITAS® Healthcare is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, and has the resources and expertise to support your personal and professional growth. As a member of the VITAS team, you’ll find fulfillment working for a people-focused organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. You will be more than just an employee : You will be counted on as an expert in your field, and as a valued team member whose efforts are respected and vital to our hospice mission.

All VITAS employees commit to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities with the highest regard for professionalism, collaboration and teamwork, and an eye focused constantly on growth and improvement. We serve with commitment and compassion, and position ourselves for the future by embracing, innovating, and leading change. If you are that person, make your voice heard—find your purpose at VITAS today.

Benefits Include

Competitive compensation

Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance

Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

401(k) plan with numerous investment options and generous company match

Cancer and / or critical illness benefit

Tuition Reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Legal Insurance

Roadside Assistance

Affinity Program

Many of our positions offer the opportunity to work day or night shifts, weekdays or weekends.

Choose a Career with VITAS