POSITION SUMMARY:

The Hospice RN Per Diem Nurse is responsible for providing skilled nursing and other therapeutic services using hospice concepts on an intermittent basis in the home.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

Must be a graduate of an accredited school of Nursing. Bachelor’s degree, preferred. Must have a current Registered Nurse license with the state of Connecticut. Possession of an individual malpractice insurance policy is required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and adequate transportation. Must show proof of satisfactory automobile insurance with minimum coverage to be $100,000/300,000 as determined by Agency policy.

 
EXPERIENCE:

One (1) year of recent Medical/Surgical Nursing experience. Additional nursing experience in Community Health, Hospice or Oncology is highly preferred.

 
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
Knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice and the skills to practice and evaluate patient care. Knowledge of Agency policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care. Knowledge of medical equipment currently used to provide patient care. Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment.  Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of professional nursing to provide ongoing patient care. Skill in identifying patient-related problems and recommending solutions. Skill in documentation in clinical records.  Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, co-workers, and the community.  Ability to maintain quality control standards.  Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.  Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures.  Ability to communicate clearly.  Knowledge and commitment to Hospice concept.  Ability to work as part of team to manage care.  Excellent oral and written communication skills.  Active life and emotional support outside Hospice. 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.  They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.  These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.  Eastern Connecticut Health Network reserves the right to change or assign other duties and responsibilities to this position:
 

Provides intermittent nursing service to patients and their families in compliance with state and federal regulations and in accordance with Hospice policies and procedures, incorporating the following: A complete physical and psychosocial assessment. Establishment and implementation of an appropriate care plan and therapeutic goals with the patient/family. Referral to appropriate therapies as needed. Periodic reevaluation of significant changes in the condition of the patient and of progress toward the therapeutic goals. Use of Agency and community consultants/resources. Instruction of patient/family in procedures or responsibilities they are assuming and optimum wellness practices. Documents all services provided in the clinical record in accordance with State and Federal Regulations and Agency Policy. All records are complete, accurate, and done in a timely manner as indicated in the documentation guidelines. Establishes the plan of care to be delegated to the Homemaker/Home Health Aide/Companion, orients and observes the Home Health Aide in accordance with State and Federal Regulations and Agency Policy. Performs other duties as necessary to support Agency programs as assigned by the Hospice Supervisor. Develops and maintains sufficient professional skills to meet the needs of patient care through continuing education. Attends a minimum of 12 hours of in-service per year. At least six of those hours shall deal with aspects of hospice care. This role will require you to go to Nursing Homes, which means we abide by their rules and policies. Thus, new hires for this role must be fully vaccinated and boosted to work in this role.