Hospice Nurse: Compassionate Care, Family Support & Education

St. Luke’s Health Network, Inc.; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke's Health Network, Inc. is seeking a dedicated hospice nurse to render professional nursing services to patients and families in the community setting.

The role emphasizes assessment, planning, evaluation, and implementation of care within the team plan of care and agency policies. The incumbent will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, supervise support staff, and contribute to bereavement care initiatives while maintaining comprehensive documentation and confidentiality in

Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing theory and ability to apply it to the community health setting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to patients, families, physicians and related persons.
• Ability to instruct nonprofessionals in the care and treatment of the physically and emotionally ill.
• Ability to prepare neat, timely, accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to accept and to utilize supervision.
• Ability to exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with people.
• Knowledge of the use of community resources.
• Interest in keeping abreast of trends and developments in nursing practice.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Hospice care principles.
• Knowledge of principles of social service and counseling especially as they relate to death and dying.

Responsibilities

• Determines eligibility for admission; obtains financial and statistical data; formulates initial care plan according to the patient's condition.
• Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team to assure appropriate care planning.
• Communicates with the patient's physician and/or hospice Medical Director, both orally and in writing as required by the patient's condition and agency policy.
• Cooperates with the Volunteer Coordinator and is available to hospice volunteers for counsel, advice and training when dealing with the patients and families.
• Assumes general personal responsibility to keep informed of current changes and trends affecting Hospice care and professional nursing functions.
• Participates in the bereavement program and supervises volunteers in providing bereavement care.
• Carries primary responsibility for providing comprehensive nursing care, health teaching, guidance and supervision to the individual and family. Considers psychosocial, environmental, spiritual and financial needs.
• Supervises patient care given by LPNs and/or HHAs.
• Maintains and uses patient clinical records, reports and other written communications according to agency policy and directives. Documentation is timely, accurate and clearly outlines the goals and plans with emphasis on the family oriented approach to patient care. Records reflect contact with physicians and other agencies needed.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and evaluate appropriate bereavement plans of care for families/significant others.
• Participates in the development and operation of the agency by: keeping administration informed on changing community needs and lack of community resources; participating in orientation and guidance of new staff; interpreting agency service to families and community groups; contributing to evaluation of service programs; evaluating effectiveness of his/her own service and contributing to the evaluation of and continuing development of staff members; participating in inservice programs and group teaching for staff and other groups.
• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
• Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.
• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.

Job description

St. Luke's Health Network, Inc. is seeking a dedicated hospice nurse to render professional nursing services to patients and families in the community setting.

The role emphasizes assessment, planning, evaluation, and implementation of care within the team plan of care and agency policies. The incumbent will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, supervise support staff, and contribute to bereavement care initiatives while maintaining comprehensive documentation and confidentiality in