Job Description

General Purpose of Job:  

The Registered Nurse provides professional services for the care and treatment of patients.  The Registered Nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates individual patient care in a nursing department according to Nursing Services departmental policies, procedures, and standards of care.  Accepts responsibility for the supervision and direction of co-workers in the implementation of the nursing care plan.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis.  Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

 

• Assesses patient’s condition, especially pain and symptoms, and then initiates appropriate nursing and/or medical care in accordance with established guidelines and protocols.


• Develops a plan of care based upon the assessment of the Hospice patient and in congruence with the medical diagnosis and treatment plan.


• Documents assessment, plan of care given, and patient response to the patient’s record. Communicates significant information and changes in patient's condition to appropriate members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary team.


• Delegates, directs, and supervises implementation of care plan to LPN, PCT, or other members of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT). Communicates significant information and changes in patient's condition to appropriate members of the Hospice Interdisciplinary team.


• Educates patient/family according to assess need. Demonstrates good knowledge of Hospice philosophy and is able to communicate and educate Hospice program to patient/family and members of the interdisciplinary team.


• Assumes the mentor role for new caregivers and students.


• Participates in planning, implementation, and evaluation of departmental quality improvement activities.


• Demonstrates knowledge and use of unit specific equipment and appropriate supplies used in the delivery for the highest quality patient care.


• Maintains knowledge of current trends in Hospice nursing and provides evidence of clinical competency. Maintains professional standards by participating in mandatory in-services and mandatory Hospice House departmental requirements.


• Provides for and instructs other staff on appropriate post-mortem care and transport of body.


• Participates in Hospice fund raising activities.


• Participates in bereavement activities as appropriate.


• Participates in Charge Nurse Rotation after one (1) year (FTE) or two (2) years (PT)

Job Requirements

General Requirements	• Current state of Michigan license to practice as Registered Nurse. • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification upon hire.
Work Experience	• A minimum of two years RN experience required in one of the following areas: Hospice, ICU, Oncology, Long Term Care or Homecare.
Education	• Associate Degree in Nursing
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	Required: • Computer literate. • Clinical knowledge and analytical abilities necessary to formulate effective nursing care plans and deliver appropriate care. • Interpersonal skills to effectively and appropriately communicate with patients, families, physician, other Sparrow Regional Health System Associates and external agencies. • Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical psycho/social, educational, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the Hospice patient, as related to the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. Preferred: • Hospice certification (preferred) • BSN from an accredited institution (preferred)