Job Summary
The Weekend Visit Nurse (VN) participates in providing staffing coverage including, but not limited to: team visit coverage, and Admissions support. The position is on Thurs - Sun (4 days, 8 hour days)
Working in collaboration with the PCM, Lead Weekend Nurse and Triage, the VN responds to pt/family needs as identified providing phone instruction/support or visits as needed. Care provided is based on an individualized Plan of Care developed by the IDG that reflects pt/family goals.
The VN demonstrates: flexibility and ability to manage multiple competing priorities; competence in admissions as well as case management; consistent communication with PCM, Triage and other team members regarding patient care throughout the day, clinical competence in pain and symptom management; and fiscal responsibility in the planning and delivery of services.
Essential Responsibilities
Patient/family Care
- Recognizes the patient and family as the "unit of care" and IDG members
- Respects patient right to self-determination and acts as an advocate within the context of the values and ethical standards of HSCC
- Makes visits per agency policy
- Makes home visit at time of death
- Utilizes nursing process in providing primary care to pt/families, and professional patient management to facility staff
- Documents all care and care planning per agency policy
- Provides nursing interventions for pt/family as ordered by the physician and in accordance with the POC, safe nursing practice and the policies and procedures of HSCC
- Monitors management of pain and symptoms in collaboration with patient/family, facility staff, IDG and physician to achieve maximum comfort
- Administers medications and treatments as ordered prn
- Instructs and supports pt/family unit and facility staff re: symptom mgmt, patient care, disease process & death/dying
Admission Visits
- Meets with patients & families in all settings to explain services, answer questions and admit patient as appropriate
- Develops and implements an individualized, interdisciplinary Plans of Care for patients and families
- Uses electronic medical record (EMR) systems effectively and efficiently to complete required documentation in a variety of patient care settings
Secondary Responsibilities
Quality Improvement
- Meets all standards and requirement as indicated by licensing and accrediting agencies
- Participates in activities that affirm, enhance and develop the highest quality standards for HSCC
- Participates in developing standards for quality patient care within HSCC
- Participates in Quality Assessment & Improvement activities as requested
- Performs other related job duties as assigned by Supervisor
Compliance
- Ensures all HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and all other regulatory/compliance requirements are understood and followed
- Submits all appropriate documentation as required for compliance including RN license auto insurance; driver's license, a good driving record, TB checks completed annually
Requirements
- Require current California RN license
- Required to attend regular meetings and in-services
- Critical thinking
- Familiarity with electronic charting programs and/or demonstrated keyboard and computer skills sufficient to utilize electronic medical record charting.
- Submits verification of current RN license
- Drivers license current and maintains a good driving record
- Ensures TB checks are completed in a timely manner; at least annually
- Maintains BLS certification
- Satisfactory results form all background and reference checks
Education/Experience
- Degree in Nursing from an accredited college
- 2+ years RN experience in hospice, oncology, medsurg, ICU, ER, skilled nursing facilities or homecare
- Acute care experience preferred
- Hospice and/or home health experience preferred
- End-of-life and pain management experience preferred
- Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required
- Previous experience in hospice or palliative care preferred
Physical Demands
- Sufficient dexterity to utilize electronic record keeping systems, computers/keyboards and or laptops and other related equipment
- Ability to travel to patient locations; includes ability to drive, negotiate stairs and walkways including uneven surfaces at private homes or facilities
- Vision ability to read manual and electronic documentation, medications, charts, office related equipment, and instructions
- Hearing ability within normal range to elicit and detect pertinent information while communicating with patients and health team
- Speech to verbally communicate to assess and impart information concerning patient status; to complete patient/family teaching and to interact with health care team
Work Environment/Environmental Condition
- Performs services in private homes and care facilities and will experience a variety of settings and situations
- Office work is performed in combination of private homes, care facilities and office environment.