Careers

Registered Nurse – Residence

I.Position Summary

Responsible for overall quality, content, provision and continuity of each patient’s care plan, which addresses the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients and families who are experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses.  Assigned to the Star Hospice House.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Utilize the nursing process to assure a comprehensive plan of care;
2. Assure ongoing assessment and revisions to a patient’s plan of care;
3. Teach patient, family and/or mentor staff on caring for patient;
4. Assess patient, family and/or staff comprehension and ability to provide appropriate care
5. Identify significant clinical findings, draws conclusions and intervenes appropriately;
6. Promote communication through all levels of patient care;
7. Participate in inter-disciplinary team (IDT) and clinical meetings;
8. Report changes in patient condition to Residence Director, RN Case Manager or After Hours RN;
9. Contact Physician for change in orders as patient condition warrants
10. Perform routine procedures (vital signs, catheterizations, oxygen therapy, etc.)
11. Assign and supervise the provision of patient care by Home Health Aides:
12. Administer patients’ medications and treatments according to physician’s orders;
13. Administer and control narcotics in accordance with CHPC policies and federal and state regulations;
14. Ensure an adequate stock of supplies and proper functioning equipment. Communicates projected needs to appropriate individual for restocking or acquisition;
15. Support and maintain regulatory compliance;
16. Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures;
17. Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training;
18. Other tasks and duties as assigned;
19. Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises;
20. Travel as required.

III. Formal Education Requirements

At least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing is required.

IV. Formal Experience Requirements

At least 1-2 years’ Medical-Surgical experience as a Registered Nurse is preferred

V. Skills and Abilities (Competencies)

Certificates and Licenses

Must possess:

• NYS Registered Professional Nurse in good standing
• Valid Driver license and current auto insurance

Job Specific Competencies

1. Clinical Judgment

Demonstrates critical thinking, analysis and critical judgment in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through use of the nursing process to address the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patients and families.

2. Advocacy and Ethics

Incorporates ethical principles and professional standards in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; as well as identifying and advocating for the wishes and preferences of patients and families.

3. Professional Conduct

Demonstrates, knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the professional standards, code of ethics, and scope of practice for hospice, palliative nursing, while maintaining professional boundaries.  

4. Collaboration

Actively promotes dialogue with patients and families, the healthcare team and community to address and plan for issues related to living with, and/or dying from life-limiting, progressive illnesses. 

5. Systems Thinking and Action

Utilizes resources necessary to enhance quality of life for patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through knowledge and navigation within the healthcare system.

6. Cultural Competence

Demonstrates cultural competence by respecting and honoring the unique diversity and characteristics of patients, families, and colleagues in hospice/palliative care.

7. Facilitator of Learning

Facilitates learning for patient, family, self, members of the healthcare team and community through the development, implementation and evaluation of formal and informal education related to living with, and/or dying from a life-limiting, progressive illness.

8. Communication

Demonstrates the use of effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with patients, families, members of the healthcare team and community in order to therapeutically address and accurately convey the hospice/palliative care needs of patients and families.

Additional Skills/Abilities/Requirements

• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality and professional conduct;
• Strong communication skills including listening, verbal and written;
• Ability to work in a team setting, collaborate with others and adapt to a changing environment, while balancing priorities;
• Adhere to mission, vision, values, operating principles and strategic priorities;
• Must be proficient with electronic medical records. 
• Ability to complete daily documentation/timesheets, etc., and other work in a timely manner with limited supervision.

VI. Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards

This position works in contact with risks associated with blood-borne pathogens and needle sticks.  Care must be taken to follow all health and safety requirements.

VII. Physical Requirements

Position requires a moderate-to-high level of independent judgment in performing responsibilities.  Position also involves moving and lifting patients, and carrying light loads and supplies with or without assistance. 

VIII. Contacts

Internal:

Residence Director, Team Leader, Vice President of Clinical Services, inter-disciplinary team members, office staff, Hospice Medical Director, Hospices Physician, and Nurse Practitioners.

External:

Patients and families, referral sources, Healthcare (Hospital/Nursing Home, etc,) facility staff, and primary/specialist physicians.

IX. Supervision and Guidance

There are no direct-reports to this position.  The Registered Nurse provides guidance to others on the care team.