IN-HOUSE HOSPICE POSITION DESCRIPTION

AFTER HOURS / RN-CASE MANAGER

POSITION SUMMARY

The After Hours RN Case Manager is responsible for delivering nursing care to patients assigned to be seen in the evening or after hours. This is accomplished by making regular visits to patients wherever they reside, providing for patient/family clinical and psychosocial needs in accordance with the attending physician’s orders and the IDT plan of care. The position requires the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, other IDT team members and, if the patient lives in a nursing home, with the nursing facility staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Current license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of Michigan

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a professional nurse within the last three (3) years

or

• A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing.

• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients, families and caregivers in varied settings and to function effectively in a nursing facility environment.

• Demonstrated skill in nursing practice, ability to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities, documentation requirements and deadlines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to read 12 point or larger type.

• Able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people.

• Communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing sufficient to prepare and send reports, interact with clients, staff and peers (proficiency in a second language which corresponds to the language of a significant portion of the patient population is helpful).

• Able to stoop and bend.

• Must be able to provide own transportation between patient residences and to hospice office.

• Able to lift at least 15 pounds and carry effectively so as to be able to perform the above listed functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Process inquiries for admission to IN-HOUSE Hospice Solutions / nursing facility (IHHS / NF) residential program.

• Admits patient to IN-HOUSE Hospice program per policy and procedure

• Assists other nurse/case managers by providing direct nursing care and management of patients when requested.

• Assess implement and evaluate the plan of treatment as scheduled.

• Continually assess patient needs and obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family/caregiver health status and incorporate that data into the plan of care.

• Initiates communication with attending physicians, other hospice staff members and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family/caregiver.

• Seeks input from other team members regarding the patient plan of care to obtain additional knowledge and support.

• Documents on the patient records so that problems, patient response nursing actions and plans are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.

• Works with appropriate NF staff, family members and IHHS staff and volunteers to provide care as indicated.

• Provides appropriate support at time of death and perform bereavement assessment if requested.

• Participates in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.

• Demonstrates familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of State and Federal bodies which aid in determining policies.

• Makes telephone contact, assessment visits with potential IHHS / NF patients/families to provide information on IHHS services and/or assess patient status.

• Informs Director of Patient Care or designee of unusual or potentially problematic nursing facility issues.