Hospice Visit Nurse

Description

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

MISSION Guiding our community members to live their best lives, even and especially through the end of life.

VISION Tri-Cities Chaplaincy is the recognized source for expert guidance during a crisis, at and through life's end, and following a loss.

VALUES Accessibility, Integrity, Achievement, Supportive Environment

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Hospice Visit RN provides compassionate, patient-centered care during non-business hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. This role ensures continuity of care for hospice patients by responding to urgent medical needs, managing symptoms, providing support, coordinating with the interdisciplinary team, and ensuring the highest level of comfort for patients in their final stages of life. This role requires excellent clinical skills, empathy, flexibility, and the ability to work independently. 

Requirements

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Current and unrestricted Washington State license as Registered Nurse.

2. At least two years of post-education nursing experience, preferably with one year in a hospice, palliative care, or oncology setting.

3. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and remain calm under pressure in urgent situations.

4. Must be available evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact compassionately with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team.

6. Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) systems and Intermediate computer skills.

7. This position is designated as Safety Sensitive. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen which includes cannabis testing in Washington State.

8. Certification in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Safety (BLS) 

9. Washington State Food Worker Card issued by the Department of Health

PREFERRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Prior experience in Hospice and Palliative Care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. As the Visit RN, assume responsibility for the agency’s total care census while on duty, including assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluation phases of the nursing process

2. Respond to urgent calls from hospice patients, caregivers, and families during assigned shifts. 

3. Assess and manage symptoms related to end-of-life care, including pain control, respiratory distress, wounds, agitation, and other emergent needs.

4. Provide direct patient care, including skilled nursing interventions, medication administration, and wound care. 

5. Educate and support caregivers in managing patient symptoms at home. 

6. Perform on-site visits to patients’ homes, facilities, or inpatient hospice units as needed. 

7. Communicate patient status, interventions, and any changes in condition to the interdisciplinary team via documentation and following agency policy and procedures. 

8. Coordinate with the hospice physician, clinical supervisor, hospice manager, Administrator-on-Call, Medical Director, or delegate to adjust care plans as necessary. 

9. Provide emotional support and guidance to patients and families, offering crisis intervention when necessary. 

10. Document all patient interactions and interventions accurately and promptly in the electronic health record (EHR). 

11. Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives as assigned.

12. Provide support as assigned including conducting patient intakes, admission visits, information meetings, in-home hospice care, or assisting at the hospice house. 

13. Perform other duties as assigned. 

1. Mission, Vision, and Values: Demonstrate support and adherence to the agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
2. Community Outreach: Participate in education and outreach activities to promote agency programs, including hospice care, advanced planning, and bereavement services.
3. Policy Compliance: Maintain knowledge of and comply with agency policies, procedures, and practices.
4. Confidentiality: Protect patient and agency information per HIPAA guidelines. Only access information on a need-to-know basis.
5. Transportation: Maintain reliable personal transportation. Maintain a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance per state requirements.
6. Health Requirements: Satisfy state and agency health requirements by providing proof of immunization, declinations, or approved accommodations as applicable.
7. Screenings: Pass criminal background and drug screenings.
8. Physical Demands: Meet the physical and environmental requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.(see attached physical requirements)
9. Training and Orientation: Complete agency and departmental orientation and required training programs.
10. Continuing Education: Complete ongoing education, policy reviews, and training be designated deadlines.
11. Licensure and Certification: Maintain current licensure(s) and certifications(s) required for the role.
12. Language Proficiency: Read, write, speak, and understand English fluently.
13. Work Availability: Be available to work as assigned or scheduled.

Classification of Employment

The position of Hospice Visit Nurse is on an at-will basis. This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or reason, unless expressly prohibited by law.