RN REGISTERED NURSE

REPORTS TO: Program Director

POSITION STATUS: Non-Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/16/2022

CORE PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrates excellent internal and external customer service.
• Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates the Valor Mission, Vision, and Core Values in daily Valor Associate Activities.
• Promotes a positive agency image in the community and is an active participant in the promotion of Valor services and the “Spreading of the Word” for hospice services.
• Demonstrates active participation in agency’s performance of appropriate stewardship of resources through productivity and cost efficiencies.
• Demonstrates understanding of role responsibilities and embraces accountability for them.

DEFINITION

Responsible as a member of the interdisciplinary team to the Program Manager for the provision of skilled nursing assessment and hospice care in order to maximize the comfort and health patients and families consistent with Valor HospiceCare policies and procedures during any non-business hours including weekends. Responsible to the nursing team leaders for completion of assigned primary, admit or liaison nursing functions based on staffing and patient/family needs on an on-call or assigned basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist primary nurses in the management of their caseloads and assist the Clinical Coordinator and Program Director in responding to patient/family needs in accordance with the plan of care.
• Attend Stand Up / Stand Down / Nursing Reports to relay information about patients and to ensure continuity of Valor HospiceCare’s patient care service as indicated.
• Assess and admit patients, develop plan of care and complete related paperwork in accordance with Valor HospiceCare policies and procedures.
• Check with nurse Case Manager(s) as necessary, for direction concerning essential and suggested team support activities for that day.
• Provide phone triage and support to patient/families as needed and requested.
• Assist with Clinical Coordinator and Program Director activities as requested. Assist with the maintenance of medical records, assuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with licensing and certification regulations as requested.
• Initiate communication with attending physicians and other community resources to report changes and coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family as necessary.
• Obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and incorporate that data into the plan of care as indicated.
• Maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Monitor physical care, as necessary, of the patient by instructing primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers.
• Respond to medical or emotional crisis and/or death of patient and make home visit to provide direct care as appropriate.
• Provide appropriate counsel at time of death.
• Demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of community, state and federal bodies which relate to the delivery of hospice services.
• Provide & Admission of eligible patients, in accordance to policies and procedures.
• Attend nurse and staff meetings as required.
• Accept other assignments as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of current license as a professional RN in the state of Arizona.

• Minimum two years of recent varied work experience as a professional nurse and preferably one of the two years in an acute, oncology, home health, and/or hospice setting.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings.
• Demonstrated skill in nursing practice, ability to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles.
• Availability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Demonstrated ability to make meaningful observations and write comprehensive, accurate reports.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective support during patient/family visits.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret human service periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License, maintain automobile insurance coverage. An automobile is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The employee is regularly required to talk and/or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, step, climb, sit, use hand-to-finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee travels by automobile and is exposed to changing weather conditions and varied forms of entry into buildings. Employee will be exposed to patients’ conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases. Employee will be required to drive daily for meetings and/or visits to different facilities and residences

CONTACTS

Patients, families, volunteers, staff members, hospital/facility personnel, the public.

OSHA CATEGORY

This position performs tasks that may involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. All employees are offered the opportunity to receive the Hepatitis B vaccination series. Comply with the infection control policies and procedures which reflects OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens Standard to ensure a safe working environment for self and others.