GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE

JOB POSTING

TITLE: Hospice Primary Care Nurse REPORTS TO: Team Manager LOCATION: Nassau HOURS: F/T

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

1. Evaluates the resident’s / patient’s / family’s individual needs for physical, emotional, social and spiritual; care. With the other Hospice team members, develops an individualized, comprehensive plan of care for each patient / resident /family.
   
   
2. Provides skilled care to patients / residents requiring intermittent professional nursing service. Evaluates the need and arranges for more intensive nursing or home health aide care as appropriate. Documents all care in an appropriate and timely manner.
   
   
3. Reports to the primary physician the patient’s / resident’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual condition, reaction to drugs or treatment. Interprets to him/her the social and physical factors in the environment which are affecting the patient’s / resident’s status. Serves as an advocate for the patient / resident.
   
   
4. Interprets to the patient / resident the implications of the diagnosis / prognosis and the nature of treatment based on the information provided by the physician.
   
   
5. Coordinates Hospice services for individuals and families under his/her care. Maintains necessary records for analysis and planning of service and for the establishment of priorities of care. Initiates referrals to appropriate disciplines and outside resources and works with them to provide continuing and coordinated care.
   
   
6. Accepts assignments based on demonstrated competency to provide care to age and gender specific population.
   Assesses the environment to identify elements conducive to accident, fatigue or emotional strain. When possible, effects changes to modify or eliminate these situations.
   
   
7. Teaches, supervises and interprets care plans to family members, facility staff, auxiliary nursing personnel (Home Health Aides) or others giving nursing care (family employed substitutes). Assists family in planning for the provision of care between Hospice Primary Care Nurse visits.
   
   
8. Utilizes volunteers and works with the Director of Volunteers in planning the placement and supervision of volunteers in the home / residence.
   
   
9. Attends weekly team meeting to share, review and revise individual patient / resident / family care plans.
   
   
10. Attends in-service and community education programs regularly to maintain / upgrade skills.
    
    
11. Participates in the on-call rotation as required and completes appropriate paper
    
    
12. Clearly explains and can answer questions regarding the hospice program, services, consents, advanced directives and the reimbursement process for hospice service.
    
    
13. Updates HHA plan of care appropriately.
    
    
14. Provides anticipatory guidance to patients/families to assist them in preparing for, and coping with, physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.
    
    
15. Supports and implements Good Shepherd Hospice policies regarding patient/family care.
    
    
16. Attends scheduled staff meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Graduate from an NLN-Accredited nursing program. Baccalaureate preferred.
   
   
2. Current registration in New York State as a Licensed Professional Nurse and one to two years recent general bedside nursing experience with good clinical skills. Experience in home care, hospice and/or oncology preferred.
   
   
3. Knowledge of Hospice concepts, philosophy, policies and procedures.
   Demonstrates ability to conduct a complete physical assessment and systems review; basic knowledge of medications, treatments and therapies for pain and symptom control
   
   
4. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
   
   
5. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work non-judgmentally with patients / residents, families, team members and other community agencies.
   
   
6. Ability to exercise independent judgment.
   
   
7. Ability to teach basic nursing care to patients / residents, families, and HHAs.
   Sensitivity to the particular needs of patients / residents / families facing terminal illness and the ability to assess their needs and to plan care to meet these needs.
   
   
8. Basic knowledge of medication, treatments and therapies for pain and symptom control.
   Strong organizational skills and flexibility to work the hours necessary to enable Hospice top meet its commitments to the patients / residents and families, including on-call hours essential.
   Willingness to travel to patients’ homes and provide own transportation in all types of weather. Possesses a current, valid New York State driver’s license.

Interested applicant should forward resume with letter of interest and salary requirements Human Resources at
Good Shepherd Hospice, 245 Old Country Road, Melville, NY, 11747, email: goodshepherdhospicehr@chsli.org or fax to (631) 465-6505.