OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:
This position is responsible for providing nursing care in patients’ homes/residences and teaches patients and families the skills necessary to care for themselves at home. This position is also responsible for meeting patient/family needs effectively and efficiently through all life stages and ages. This position also provides direction and oversight to other staff members regarding patient care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)
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Actively participate in patient care.
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Daily, visit patients in their homes or contact them by telephone.
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Communicate information orally and written on a daily basis to physicians, patients, and caregivers.
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Report changes in patient’s and caregiver's conditions daily.
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Assist patients, caregivers and significant others with decision-making.
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Maintain confidentiality of patient’s personal, medical and financial information.
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Use entry order system by order entry process as necessary.
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Report weekly findings to physicians.
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Initiate standing orders as necessary.
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Perform treatments and procedures in adherence to policy and procedure standards
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Perform phlebotomy procedures per policy
- Supervise use of medication in home.
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Count all medications on home visits.
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Order medications pertaining to disease process while under Hospice from hospital pharmacy.
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Instruct the family to report to the local pharmacy to obtain medications.
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Instruct patient and caregiver on proper use of medications.
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Document teaching and track responses to same.
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Complete initial and on-going patient assessments to define individual patient needs.
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Daily, after reviewing assessment data and identify patient problems, develop a plan of care and update it monthly or as necessary.
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Maintain concise documentation in nursing notes of all patient care provided.
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Complete nursing care plans daily.
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Evaluate patient’s response to therapeutic interventions and document in nursing notes.
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Ensure patient satisfaction.
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Report weekly on patients at Inter-Disciplinary Group meetings.
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Perform I.V. therapy
- Perform venipunctures and access mediports/lines
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Perform ostomy/wound care
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Perform all nursing procedures
- Teach various techniques to caregivers, patients, and staff members.
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Daily, evaluate patient, caregiver, and other staff members’ understanding of techniques by successful demonstration.
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Document procedure upon completion of demonstration.
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Assist in identifying educational needs of staff, patients, and caregivers.
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Allow time for questions and further instruction for caregivers and patients.
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Complete the referral process.
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Receive referral patients.
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Obtain patient records and clearance from medical director.
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Coordinate time for admissions process with patient, caregiver, social services, counselor, and nurses.
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Alert patient’s physician of hospice referral.
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Check referral sheet for patient insurance information. If not present, request information at NPC.
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Conduct new patient clinics.
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Meet with patient, significant others and caregivers at the hospital, patient’s home or external care facility and schedule NPC when the referral is approved by the medical director.
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Present the program, review equipment needs and arrange for delivery of equipment when social services is not available.
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Contact any home care agency involved and the patient’s physician of the patient’s admission to the program.
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Conduct home death visits
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Provide emotional support to caregivers.
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Call appropriate physician, coroner, funeral director, equipment supply company, volunteer, volunteer director, or department.
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Prepare body and assist with the removal from the home and ensure the caregiver’s satisfaction.
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Remove or dispose of all medications from the home, close the patient’s chart and make a bereavement referral for family members and significant others.
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Assist with departmental evaluation and improvement of nursing practices.
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Monthly, support changes to improve patient care through suggestions offered by patient response forms.
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Participate in departmental committees or projects and accept and respond to constructive criticism by improving performance.
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Participate in quality improvement, fire safety, infection control, body mechanics, etc.
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Maintain 100% compliance with all Hospital policies and procedures.
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Conduct peer review of equipment use.
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Annually demonstrate proper use of equipment and review peers when using equipment.
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Document proper use of equipment and peer competency in using equipment.
Provide clinical oversight of the nursing care process.
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Serve as a resource for staff including nurse aides and other ancillary staff.
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Delegate nursing care duties as appropriate for the scope of practice of assignee.
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Daily, observe staff with patients regularly to ensure patient satisfaction and quality care.
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Communicate daily with staff regarding changes in patient care.
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Conduct on-site supervisory visits with Patient Aides every two weeks per policy and document accordingly.
11. Must remain up to date, knowledgeable, and compliant on all DOH and other applicable regulatory related to your department and area.
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Patient safety regulations and goals will be followed (i.e. using 2 patient identifiers, reporting critical values, medication reconciliation, etc)
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Perform appropriate documentation regarding narcotics administration (i.e. second signature for count and waste, etc.)
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Follow the regulations regarding restraint and seclusion, sentinel event notification, etc.
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Attend appropriate educational programs related to regulatory standards, updates, and initiatives.
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Education/Training/License/Certification:
Valid/current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License required.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Certification required.
Certified in Palliative Care within 2 years of hire, preferred
Valid driver’s license required.
One year related experience is required.
If deemed a driver in your position, a valid Driver’s license and proof of insurance are required. Motor Vehicle Record checks will be performed upon hire, in addition to annually thereafter.
