GOOD SHEPHERD HOSPICE

JOB POSTING

TITLE: RN Inpatient Center REPORTS TO: RN Manager LOCATION: Port Jefferson HOURS: F/T – Evening & Night positions available. Night differential offered.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Hospice Nurse provides nursing care to hospice patient and/or family at the Good Shepherd Hospice Inpatient Center, focusing on symptom management, pain control and emotional support. The quality of care provided will be consistent with the Standards of Practice determined for the Hospice Program and Hospice plan of care.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in the admission process of the patient to the Good Shepherd Hospice Inpatient Center including but not limited to completing an admission assessment, documenting patient’s valuables, orienting the patient and family to the facility.
2. Evaluates the 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 /family.
3. Provides skilled professional nursing care to patients. Documents all care in an appropriate and timely manner.
4. Demonstrates ability in electronic medical record, paper record and interface with hospital electronic programs.
5. Administers all patient medications as per physician’s orders and in keeping with standards of nursing practice. Maintains careful documentation of medication administration records.
6. Informs the physician and other personnel of changes in the patient's needs and outcomes of interventions. Reports to the primary physician and/or Hospice Medical Director the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual condition, reaction to drugs or treatment. Interprets to him/her the social and physical factors which are affecting the patient’s status. Serves as an advocate for the patient.
7. Interprets to the patient and/or family the implications of the diagnosis / prognosis and the nature of treatment based on the information provided by the physician.
8. Interacts with visitors and family members, offering support and guidance as needed.
9. 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.
10. Assists with or supervises post-mortem care of patient and respectful removal of body by funeral home. Completes all necessary paperwork.
11. Adheres to all safety policies to promote safe patient environment and prevent hazardous situations.
12. Supervises LPNs and paraprofessionals providing services to the patient. Teaches, supervises and interprets care plans to family members, facility staff, auxiliary nursing personnel (Home Health Aides).
13. Assists in orientation of new staff, nursing and medical students, and participate in inservice programs, and volunteer training programs as requested by administrator.
14. Attends weekly team meeting as assignment will allow to share, review and revise individual patient family care plans.
15. Provides anticipatory guidance to patients/families to assist them in preparing for, and coping with, physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. Graduate from an NLN-Accredited nursing program. Baccalaureate preferred.
2. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care preferred, but required within 2 years of employment.
3. 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.
4. Demonstrates ability to conduct a complete physical assessment and systems review; basic knowledge of medications, treatments and therapies for pain and symptom control
5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in clearly understood English. Computer skills for EMR documentation.
6. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work non-judgmentally with patients / residents, families, team members and other community agencies.
7. Ability to teach basic nursing care to patients, families, and Home Health Aides.
8. Sensitivity to the particular needs of patients / families facing terminal illness and the ability to assess their needs and to plan care to meet these needs.
9. Basic knowledge of medication, treatments and therapies for pain and symptom control
10. Strong organizational skills and flexibility to work the hours necessary to enable Hospice to meet its commitments to the patients and families at the Good Shepherd Hospice Inpatient Center.
11. Possesses a current, valid New York State driver’s license.
12. Personnel history without significant personnel losses within past year.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

APPLICANT MUST HAVE SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL/WORK RECORD AS WELL AS GOOD ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTALITY.

Interested applicant should forward resume with letter of interest and salary requirements Human Resources at: Good Shepherd Hospice, 4747-20 Nesconset Hwy., Port Jefferson Sta., NY 11776,
email: goodshepherdhospicehr@chsli.org or fax to (631) 474-2568.