This position provides skilled nursing care and participates in interdisciplinary care. Requires good listening and communication skills, along with the capability in seemingly unrelated activities into a cohesive whole structure. Organization and planning is necessary, and 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 patient/family requesting patient demographics, diagnosis, services needed, referring physician, hospitalizations, etc.If referral call is not from a physician, contact physician to confirm service needs, medications, verbal or faxed orders for an assessment visit, any/all health history pertinent to hospice diagnosis.If not previously arranged, set up time to meet with patient/family to explain hospice services and evaluate patient for appropriateness for hospice care.If patient meets admission criteria, conduct initial written assessment and initial plan of care within 48 hours of signing service agreement. Initial assessment will include patients immediate care and support needs.Educates patient/family regarding care and identified 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 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, 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 work place. Must be able to lift 55 pounds.