RN Hospice PRN - South Austin

Job Summary As primary individual accountable for coordinating the patient centered care for the healthcare team, is responsible for providing all services in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act, federal, state and local laws and within the guidelines of his/her professional organization. Essential Functions 1. Completes an initial, comprehensive and ongoing assessment of patient and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history of current and previousillness(es). 2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process. 3. Assesses and evaluates patients status by writing and initiating plan of care, regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs, and participating in revising the plan of care as necessary. 4. Responsible for the planning, coordinating and delivery of quality interdisciplinary home health care services. Compliance with company standards and federal/state guidelines will be maintained at all times. 5. Initiates the plan of care and makes necessary revisions as patient status and needs change. 6. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis. 7. Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process. 8. Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physicians plan of care. 9. Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs. 10. Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment and plan. 11. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patients efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care. 12. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by Clinical Services Manager or Director of Clinical Services and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload. 13. Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patients condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes and outcomes as appropriate. 14. Communicates with the physician regarding the patients needs and reports changes in the patients condition; obtains/receives physicians orders as required. 15. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan. 16. Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families/caregivers. Works in concert with the interdisciplinary group. This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. Colleagues should perform all duties as assigned by their supervisor. Education and Experience Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing. Minimum of one (1) year experience as a professional nurse preferred. Bachelors degree in Nursing preferred. Certifications, Licenses, and other Special Requirements Valid RN license within practice state required. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state. Bilingual and able to read, write and speak Spanish proficiently preferred. Management/Decision Making Applies existing guidelines and procedures to make varied decisions within a department. Uses sound judgment and experience to solve moderately complex problems based on precedent, example, reasonableness or a combination of these. Knowledge and Skills Possesses extensive knowledge of a distinct skill or function and a thorough understanding of the organization and work environment. Has working knowledge of the healthcare industry. Ability to effectively manage time, tasks and projects in a dynamic environment is required. Effective written and oral communication skills and human relation skills are essential. Has excellent observation, good nursing judgment and communication skills. Understands principles of pain/symptom management. Must be able to function in a stressful work environment. Ability to market and deal tactfully with customers and the community. Has excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to learn the hospice business, governmental regulations and CHAP standards.