Hospice Registered Nurse

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

Job summary

St. Luke’s University Health Network is seeking a dedicated Hospice Nurse to render professional nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the Plan of Care.

The role emphasizes assessment, planning, evaluation and implementation of compassionate care within the agency’s policies. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, communicate with physicians, supervise LPNs and HHAs, and maintain accurate records while supporting bereavement services and community outreach.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
• Current active nursing license to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Two years of professional nursing experience.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care according to Plan of Care.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team for appropriate care planning.
• Communicate with the patient’s physician and hospice Medical Director as required.
• Supervise LPNs and HHAs; participate in bereavement program and volunteer training.
• Maintain patient clinical records, ensuring timely, accurate documentation.
• Contribute to program development and staff guidance; ensure safety and service excellence.

Skills

Nursing theory

Communication

Instruct nonprofessionals

Tact and diplomacy

Team collaboration

Education

RN/Nursing degree

Job description

St. Luke’s is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke’s are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay for health care.

Renders professional nursing services to patient and families assigned, and demonstrates the ability to assess, to plan, to evaluate and to implement nursing care with attention to the special needs of the agency. Works in accordance with the Team’s Plan of Care and written agency programs and policies

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Determines eligibility for admission; obtains financial and statistical data; formulates initial care plan according to the patient’s condition.

2. Collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team to assure appropriate care planning.

3. 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.

4. Cooperates with the Volunteer Coordinator and is available to hospice volunteers for counsel, advice and training when dealing with the patients and families.

5. Assumes general personal responsibility to keep informed of current changes and trends affecting Hospice care and professional nursing functions.

6. Participates in the bereavement program and supervises volunteers in providing bereavement care.

7. 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.

8. Supervises patient care given by LPNs and/or HHAs.

9. 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.

10. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and evaluate appropriate bereavement plans of care for families/significant others.

11. Participates in the development and operation of the agency by: Entity 33 Job Class Code Number 7427, 7542, 7543 a. Keeping administration informed on changing community needs and lack of community resources. b. Participating in the orientation and guidance of new staff. c. Interpreting agency service to families and community groups. d. Contributing to evaluation of service programs. e. Evaluating effectiveness of his/her own service and contributing to the evaluation of and continuing development of staff members. f. Participating in the development of inservice programs and group teaching for staff and other groups, as assigned.

12. Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information

13. Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.

14. Demonstrates/models the Network’s Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external).

15. Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.

16. Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.

17. Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.

18. Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

1. Comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing theory and ability to apply it to the community health setting.

2. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to patients, families, physicians and related persons.

3. Ability to instruct nonprofessionals in the care and treatment of the physically and emotionally ill.

4. Ability to prepare neat, timely, accurate and concise records and reports.

5. Ability to accept and to utilize supervision.

6. Ability to exercise tact, initiative and good judgment in dealing with people.

7. Knowledge of the use of community resources.

8. Interest in keeping abreast of trends and developments in nursing practice.

9. Knowledge of and ability to apply Hospice care principles.

10. Knowledge of principles of social service and counseling especially as they relate to death and dying.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Heavy Work Exertional activity 1. Occasionally lift and/or carry 100 lbs 2. Frequently lift and/or carry 50 lbs 3. Stand and/or walk at least 6 hours in an 8-hour work day Nonexertional activity 1. Stooping (bending at the waist) and crouching (stooping and bending at the knees) – required frequently 2. Handling (grasping) – required frequently 3. Fingering (fine manipulation) – required only occasionally Important: The functional capacity to perform heavy work includes the functional capacity to perform medium, light and sedentary work. Good physical and mental health. Neat, clean, free from body odors, conforms to the uniform code. Constant standing, walking, turning, stooping, bending, climbing, stretching and lifting in the provision of nursing care Visual and auditory acuity required to provide comprehensive nursing care. Finger and hand dexterity necessary to handle delicate instruments and other equipment Environmental Conditions: Inside – Office environment and patient homes Outside - Traveling to clinics and/or office errands in extreme cold and heat, wet and/or humid conditions, snow, ice and/or fog Hazards - Exposure to contagious disease road and driving domestic pets

EDUCATION:

A graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing and possess a current active license to practice nursing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. BSN preferred.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Two years experience as a professional nurse in nursing practice or previous community health and/or Hospice care as a professional nurse.

St. Luke’s University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.