Registered Nurse – Hospice Admission

This is a community-based role and will require regular travel in local and rural areas. The Hospice admission RN will facilitate a timely and coordinated transition and admission of patients in healthcare settings, facilities, and residences onto TMC Hospice Program.

Provides patient assessments in various settings to facilitate a well-coordinated, smooth transition to TMC Hospice services. Obtains initial medical orders from the referring providers. Assists Intake Department with referral, computer input as needed.

Supports the death/dying process. Promotes TMC Hospice services and programs and exceptional customer service to physicians, facility staff, patients, and families. Develops and maintains positive relationships with referral sources.

Supports programs, organizational, and departmental policies, goals, and objectives. Explains hospice services and benefits to patients, family members, and caregivers in a manner that promotes an accurate and positive view of hospice services. Develops and maintains therapeutic connections and relationships.

Performs a comprehensive nursing assessment. Directs and efficiently coordinates the initiation of hospice services, and any other equipment, supplies, external services for hospice clients as prescribed by the physician, and/or requested by the client/family. Delivers effective patient/family/caregiver education.

Manages end-of-life ethical issues effectively. Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently. Facilitates continuously improved processes/services.

Maintains and enhances professional skills. Works closely with leadership, liaison, community, hospital, and facility representatives to meet growth and development targets. Identifies and creates new opportunities for increasing referrals.

Participates in weekend rotation as appropriate. Provides direct patient care, evaluates outcomes, consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as indicated to ensure safe patient care. Writes or obtains initial nursing histories, assesses patients' conditions and develops individual care plan and intervenes effectively.

Completes timely and accurate documentation. Applies specific criteria for admission and re-certification to establish patient's eligibility and appropriate levels of care. Admits eligible patients into the hospice program following appropriate standards of practice established by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Notifies appropriate physician regarding any unusual or unexpected events or problems requiring direct physician consultation.

Collaborates in providing patient care. Works with other members of the interdisciplinary patient care team, implements and reinforces patient instructional needs with patient and family offering informational material and pointing out special areas of concern. Complies with policies, procedures, regulations, and standards and takes corrective action when violations occur.

Orients, instructs, and educates assigned personnel. Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication. Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values, policies and standards and adheres to high standards of personal and professional conduct.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Graduation from a qualified, nationally-accredited nursing program.

• One (1) year of nursing experience in an acute care setting. Hospice or oncology experience preferred. LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Current RN licensure permitting work in the State of Arizona and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. For Outpatient Hospice & Pediatrics areas, valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card within 6 months of hire. Must have access to a vehicle, a valid driver's license, and current insurance. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of direct patient care and critical care procedures and techniques, tools, and responses required to ensure optimal patient care.
• Knowledge of exam indicators, contraindications and patient preparation.
• Knowledge of the death/dying and bereavement process.
• Skill in communicating in a clear and concise manner with staff involved in critical care, and physicians to ensure the proper care of patients.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action.
• Ability to speak and communicate effectively.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Strong clinical assessment skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage time well and perform assigned duties with attention detail, accuracy and follow-through.
• Proficient computer skills.