TABITHA’S PURPOSE:  We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Hospice RN is responsible for planning, organizing and directing hospice care for Tabitha Hospice Senior’s/resident’s/client’s (hereinafter, “Senior’s/client’s”). This TEAMember strives to uphold Tabitha’s LIVE2Care Culture and actively embraces Tabitha’s Core Values. As a result, the TEAMember supports Tabitha goals related to dignity, respect, independence, competence, autonomy, personal comfort, safety and security of Seniors/clients. In addition, the TEAMember contributes to the success of Tabitha through ongoing collaboration with, TEAMembers, management, volunteers and others in the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains current knowledge of the local, state, and Federal regulations and laws which apply and assures compliance.
2. Completes an initial, comprehensive and ongoing comprehensive assessment of Senior/client and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history or current and previous illness(es).
3. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process and as defined in the state Nurse Practice Act.
4. Assesses and evaluates Senior’s/client’s status by:
   • Writing and initiating plan of care that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions
   • Regularly re-evaluating Senior/client and family/caregiver needs
   • Participating in revising the plan of care as necessary, including the Senior/client and the family in the planning process
5. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis.
6. Initiates appropriate preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care.
7. Provides health care instructions to the Senior/client as appropriate per assessment and plan.
8. Assists the Senior/client with the activities of daily living and facilitates the Senior’s/client’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and option comfort care.
9. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by Patient Care Coordinator and assumes responsibility to coordinate Senior/client care for assigned caseload.
10. Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding Senior’s/client’s condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
11. Communicates with the physician regarding the Senior’s/client’s needs and reports changes in the Senior’s/client’s condition; obtains/receives physicians’ orders as required.
12. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate care plan.
13. Teaches the Senior/client 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 Seniors/clients and families/caregivers.  Works in concert with the interdisciplinary team.
14. Assists the Senior/client and family/caregiver and other TEAMembers in providing continuity of care.
15. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice interdisciplinary team to meet the emotional needs of the Senior/client and family/caregiver.
16. Takes on call responsibilities as assigned.
17. Drives from one Senior/client location to another, adapting to changing road and/or weather conditions.
18. Willingly takes on additional duties and/or assignments, assisting with projects and responding to requests as assigned or as necessary.

BENEFITS:

• Full benefit package including medical, dental and vision (30+ hours per week scheduled)
• Life and disability benefits (30+ hours per week scheduled)
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Leaves (20+ hours per week scheduled)
• Free on-site TEAMember clinic
• Wellness program

COMMUNICATION:  Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language including medical terminology related to the job.  Sufficient fluency to be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, provide instruction to others, read and understand a plan of care, policies, procedures or other similar documentation, interact successfully with Seniors/clients/caregivers, hold a conversation, conduct or participate in meetings, compose professional e-mails or other written communication, prepare legible, accurate and thorough documentation as required by the job and effectively interact with TEAMembers, customers, vendors, volunteers, managers and family members.  Ability to recognize and interpret non-verbal cues.  Ability to respond calmly and clearly to emergencies and high emotion situations.   Ability to read a map and/or utilize a GPS system and/or follow instructions in order to find Senior/client home. 

WORKSITE CONDITIONS: Visits Seniors/clients in Living Communities in the community and in Senior/client homes which vary significantly as far as their state of repair and condition. Potential exposure to dust, tobacco smoke, pets, insects, residual unpleasant odors, vermin, heat/steam (in bathrooms), disinfectants, allergens, infectious waste, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, cleaning products, and personal care products.  May be assigned to drive out of service area to support other regions, Seniors/clients. Drives to Senior/client homes to provide care on a daily basis. Exposure to road hazards, extremes in temperature and weather, sun, wind, snow, ice, rain, and various driving conditions which are subject to change without notice. Exposure to unpaved roads, ice and snow covered sidewalks/steps/porches, houses that are too warm or too cold, houses that are not maintained in a sanitary condition, noise from Senior/client televisions/radios, phones.  May experience changes in priorities and workload based on needs of Seniors/clients. Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals.  Frequent interaction with Seniors/clients, family members, Living Community staff, TEAMembers, visitors, representatives of government agencies, etc. under all conditions and circumstances.  This will include exposure to Seniors/clients, family members and TEAMembers who may experience stress and demonstrate a variety of emotions.  Seniors/clients, in particular, may become agitated or combative.  May work beyond scheduled working hours. Works assigned weekends and holidays.  Is subject to extended hours or callback during emergency conditions or situations, based upon needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to drive vehicle from place to place, gain access to each Senior/client home and then safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below.  Physical stamina with the ability to perform duties while moving about one or more Senior/client homes for the entire shift with few opportunities to sit down and with little, or no, break between tasks.  Strength and agility sufficient to frequently lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, or climb stairs while performing duties, and managing various supplies and equipment.  Ability to safely perform a one (1) assist transfer (to and from bed, chair, toilet, commode, bathtub or shower) and otherwise provide care to Seniors/clients who are weak, frail, obese, or unable to assist due to limited mobility, quadriplegia, paraplegia, tremors, paralysis, etc.  Ability to remain calm and work effectively when others (such as Seniors/clients, TEAMembers or family members) experience emotional extremes, up to and including Seniors/clients who become combative.  Vision and hearing within normal limits (with or without correction).  Must have unrestricted ability to lift/push/pull and pass a 50 - pound physical exam demonstrating strength and agility prior to employment and at Tabitha’s discretion.
EQUIPMENT USAGE: Standard and specialized equipment including but not limited to gait belts, bedpans, urinals, wheelchairs, geri - chairs, commodes, shower chairs, blood pressure apparatus, thermometers (glass, electronic and tympanic), ambulation equipment (canes, walkers, crutches, etc.), whirlpool, scales (electronic and regular), oximeter,  glucometer, Doppler, oxygen concentrator, mechanical lift devices, Clinitron bed, Aqua-K pad, braces, splints, side rails, heat lamp, humidifier, fan, telephone, computer, walkie talkie, electronic devices, and photocopier.

AGE REQUIREMENT: At least age 18.
EDUCATION:  Successful completion of a Registered Nurse course of study.  Bachelor’s degree in Nursing preferred.      
EXPERIENCE: Two years of acute care/long term care nursing experience within the last five years required. Experience in community health and/or hospice preferred.
CREDENTIALS:  RN License in good standing as recorded on the Nebraska State Registry or other Nurse Compact state required. CPR required.  License must be kept up to date at the expense of the TEAMember. CPR certification must be kept up to date at the expense of the TEAMember.  Valid Nebraska Driver’s license (unless otherwise allowed by law) and a good driving record required.  Must possess auto insurance at or above Nebraska statutory requirements. Must meet Tabitha’s vaccination requirements.

EEO Disavility/Veteran