RN, On-Call Acadiana 

Overview

To provide nursing care to the terminally ill Hospice patient as needed. To provide assistance and understanding to the family in the home care situation and in times of bereavement. To work as a member of the Hospice team in providing Hospice care.

Reporting Relationship

• Supervised by: Director of Nurses Positions
• Supervised: Hospice Aides
• Interrelationships: Patients, family, IDG, and other healthcare team members (Provides information for)

Qualifications

A licensed registered nurse shall be currently licensed to practice in the state of Louisiana with no restrictions:

• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a registered nurse. However, two years of full-time clinical experience in hospice care as a licensed practical nurse may be substituted for the required two years of experience as a registered nurse; and an employee of the hospice.
• If the registered nurse is employed by more than one agency, they must inform all employers and coordinate duties to ensure quality service provision.

Knowledge/Skills/Ability

Ability to work independently and make accurate and, at times, quick judgments. Ability to supervise others appropriately. Ability to respond appropriately to crises outside of a hospital setting. Acceptance of and adaptability to different social, racial, cultural, and religious modes. Completes Hospice training program.

Job Factors

Physical Requirements

Requires considerable physical effort most of the day, including kneeling, squatting, reaching, twisting, climbing, walking, exposure to temperature and humidity changes, and maximal assistance in lifting and transferring a 100-pound patient. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use appropriate adaptive devices to enable senses to function at a level required to meet the position's essential duties. Provide evidence of annual TB tests, COVID vaccine, and other state-required tests or examinations.

Mental Requirements

Must be able to work independently, make judgments based on assessments and data available, and act accordingly. Must be flexible and innovative and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

Working Conditions

Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to, odors, blood, body fluids and excrements, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.

Transportation

Must have a valid driver’s license, auto liability insurance, and reliable transportation.

Essential Functions 

• Regularly assesses and reassesses the nursing needs of the Hospice patient.
• Provides dietary counseling.
• Provides Hospice nursing services, treatments, and preventive procedures.
• Initiates nursing procedures appropriate for the patient’s Hospice care and safety.
• Observes signs and symptoms and report to the physician and IDG members any unexpected changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition.
• Teaches, supervises and counsels the Hospice patient and family members about providing care for the patient.
• Supervises and trains other nursing service personnel.
• Develops and re-evaluate the patient/family care plan in conjunction with IDG to meet needs and maintain continuity of care.
• Performs specific nursing procedures as needed (e.g., treatments, management of symptoms) following doctor’s orders.
• Attends team conferences.
• Maintains records as required by Hospice.
• Follows the policies and procedures of the Hospice. Observes confidentiality and safeguard all patient-related information in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Always communicates to the supervisor if unable to meet a patient’s need or perform a procedure.
• Participates in the on-call system and is responsible for providing on-call coverage when unavailable for assigned duties.
• Maintain skills and knowledge.
• Works with interdisciplinary group concept of patient care.
• Coordinates the implementation of the plan of care for patients residing in SNF, NF, ICF, or MR.
• Organizes work schedule and utilizes time management to be able to attend all required meetings.
• Complies with agency infection control policies and protocols.
• Assist with orientation, teaching, and training as requested.
• Other duties as assigned by ADON/DON.