After-Hours Registered Nurse, Hospice Home Care

Coordinates and provides high quality multidisciplinary health services for patients in the Hospice Care Program consistent with Agency philosophy, policy, goals and objectives, and Standards of Nursing Practice. Works under moderate supervision.

SCHEDULE:

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

2:00pm-2:00am

* Assesses the physical, social and psychological needs and living conditions of the patient through professional knowledge and skills of observation, interviewing and physical examination.

* Travels to patients' homes and/or other facilities with varying environments (e.g., elevated buildings, walk-ups, care facilities, single/multiple family homes, presence of pets, etc.) using approved transportation options to deliver direct care to the patient.

* Implements care plan and revisions by ongoing assessment, planning, coordination, counseling, teaching and supervision. Works collaboratively and consults with appropriate multidisciplinary health team members (i.e., physician, OT, PT, SW, SLP, family members).

* Transports and utilizes required medical equipment and supplies using VNS Health designated/supplied carrying case weighing approximately 25 - 30 lbs. to and from patient homes and care facilities.

* Provides nursing care in accordance with Agency policies, practices, procedures and Standards of Nursing Practice. This may require standing, stooping, sitting, crouching, bending and stretching to deliver patient care.

* Documents content and process of all services provided in accordance with government regulations and requirements, Agency policies, practices, and procedures.

* Assists patients with activities of daily living, which may require positioning, moving, transferring and lifting patients of varying weights and physical conditions, with and without assistance and as appropriate, from family members and/or paraprofessionals.

* Monitors the effect of the care plan on patient and family health status and informs physician and other team members of changes in the client's needs.

* Consults with and educates the client and family regarding the disease process, self-care techniques and prevention strategies.

* Appraises care provided and revises the goals and approaches to patient care, as needed.

* Initiates and maintains written (including clinical and progress notes) and verbal communications with team members and management to assure optimal patient care.

* Performs established work procedures in relation to Program workflow.

* Understands, interprets and implements the Agency standard reimbursement policy and determines the billing source for patient care. Consults with management on complex and unique reimbursement cases.

* Manages all aspects of a caseload, as assigned.

* Maintains productivity sufficient to meet Agency goals.

* Participates in the orientation of selected staff through 'buddy system' field observation of staff and feedback to appropriate staff involved in orientation process.

* Participates in selected student programs by providing guidance, training and mentoring to students.

* Assumes responsibility for personal professional growth through attendance at in-services, training, continued formal education and select journal readership.

* Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
License and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required

Education:
Associate's Degree in Nursing with at least one year of experience as a full-time staff nurse in a medical-surgical nursing area required OR

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from a State-approved diploma program required

Work Experience:
Prior/current Hospice or emergent care experience required

Minimum one year of experience in a medical/surgical environment preferred