This position provides skilled nursing care and participates in interdisciplinary care. Requires good listening and communication skills, along with the capability to seemingly unrelated activities into a cohesive whole structure. Organization and planning are necessary, as well as the ability to explain plans and goals to others. Need for knowledge and understanding of the Agency policies, procedures, and philosophies.
Takes referrals and makes initial contact with patients/families requesting patient demographics, diagnosis, services needed, referring physicians, hospitalizations, etc.If the referral call is not from a physician, contact a physician to confirm service needs, medications, verbal or faxed orders for an assessment visit, and any/all health history pertinent to hospice diagnosis.If not previously arranged, set up a time to meet with the patient/family to explain hospice services and evaluate the patient for appropriateness for hospice care.If the patient meets admission criteria, conduct an initial written assessment and initial plan of care within 48 hours of signing the service agreement. The initial assessment will include the patients immediate care and support needs.Educates patient/family regarding care and identifies needs related to patients illness.Contacts primary physician requesting pain and symptom management control.Initiates appropriate preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures, including pain and symptom management.Documents care provided in an appropriate and timely manner.Supervises LVNs, Hospice Aides, and other paraprofessionals providing care to the patient and family/caregiver.Coordinates services with other professional and ancillary staff.Assists the Clinical Director and other team members in the development of the IDT plan of care by participating in team meetings and patient care conferences.Counsels and provides proper emotional support to patients and their families.Practices only within the designated Scope of Practice as defined by the Texas State Board.Recognizes and reports situations of potential harm to the patient.Participates in continuing education opportunities and in-services.Provides a safe and comfortable environment.Maintain the patients and familys right to privacy and confidentiality at all times.Works non-judgmentally with patients and families of various cultures, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds and lifestyles.Deals effectively with difficult situations by using negotiation skills to resolve conflict. Attends weekly IDT meeting.Exhibits good listening and comprehension.Treats patients, families, and staff with respect and compassion.No gossip and does not harm others in conversation.Performs other responsibilities as assigned.
This position requires endurance to perform tasks over long periods of work hours and the ability to perform essential functions without posing a "direct threat" in the workplace. Must be able to lift 55 pounds.