Job Description:

I Position Summary:

As a member of the clinical team, provides nursing care to the Hospice’s patients on an as needed/as scheduled basis.  Responsible for reporting patient/family needs and for providing supportive care in accordance with the attending physician’s orders, plan of care and the Hospice’s policies and procedures.  The Resource Nurse provides care under the direction of the attending physician, the Patient Care Manager, and in compliance with the state’s Registered Nurse Practice Act.

II. Position Responsibilities:

• Maintains regular communication with the Patient Care Manager to review assignments

• Initiates communication with the attending physicians, other Hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient/family.

• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.

• Communicates with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group as needed to develop a comprehensive plan of care and goals within two days of the start of the patient’s care and as necessary throughout the provision of service to assure response to the patient/family’s changing needs.

• Provides Hospice nursing care based on systematic assessment focusing on pain control and symptom management.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels patient/families regarding physical care and other problems related to the patient’s terminal condition.

• Provides guidance to the patients/families to assist them in preparing for and coping with anticipated physical and psychological events throughout the dying process.

• Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations pertaining to patient care management and services provided in accordance with Hospice policy and procedures on the day services are rendered.  Submits documentation in a timely manner.

• Meets regularly with Hospice nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads, share professional support, and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.

• Informs the clinical Manager of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.

• Shares in providing 24-hour, seven-day a week coverage to patients/families.

• Provides appropriate support at the time of death.

• Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the Hospice and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies which govern the provision of Hospice care.

• Supports and implements Hospice policies regarding patient/family care.

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• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

IV Qualifications:

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing

• Currently licensed in good standing to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Massachusetts

• Must have no less than six months' experience in an acute care setting as an RN prior to home care assignments, or experience as required by state regulations.  Over one year’s experience as an RN preferred.  Experience in Home Care or Hospice preferred

• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings and to cope with emotional stress

• Must be able to function in a practice environment with minimal direct supervision, accepting personal responsibility for maintaining a professional relationship with patients and their families.

• Must accept responsibility for maintaining clinical practice skills, learning and adhering to Hospices’ policies and procedures on an on-going basis.

• Transports self to patient’s home/facility.  May be working in multiple locations in a workday.

Remote Type:

Salary Range: