Where Comfort Meets Care – RN Opportunity in Hospice Inpatient Unit ABOUT BLUE RIDGE CARE SERVICES Blue Ridge Care works to optimize the quality of life and well-being for those members of our community affected by aging or dealing with chronic or serious illnesses. With a mission of brightening life’s journey for all whom we are privileged to serve, and a strategic goal to grow and expand our services to continue meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community, Blue Ridge is “Caring for life.” Our core values – dignity, integrity, teamwork, innovation, diversity, and excellence – not only reflect our commitment to our patients and families but also represent our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that encourages staff to embrace creativity, work together, practice empathy and compassion with each other, and utilize professional growth opportunities. At Blue Ridge, we call our staff “Future Makers” – everyone contributes to our collective organizational excellence and success, and the continued delivery of the life-changing care and services we provide those we serve. POSITION SUMMARY The Registered Nurse plans, organizes and directs hospice care. Experienced in nursing, with emphasis on community health education/experience. The Registered Nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of the individual and families within their homes and communities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Completes initial, comprehensive and ongoing assessments of patient and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es). Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of the process. Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by writing and initiating a plan of care, regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs, and participating in revising the plan of care if necessary. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis. Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the physician in the physician’s plan of care. Initiates appropriate preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician’s plan of care and/orders. Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs. Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment plan. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care as needed. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by Clinical Management and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload. Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical documentation regarding patient’s condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate in the EMR at bedside. Communicates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives and documents physicians orders as required. Communicate with community health related people to coordinate the care plan. Teaches the patient 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 patients and family /caregivers. Works in concert with the interdisciplinary group. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient. Assists the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice Interdisciplinary Group Members to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family/caregiver. Attend interdisciplinary group meetings. Participates in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy, when assigned. Coordinates arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available. Supervises ancillary personnel and delegates responsibilities when required. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in- service classes. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments. Respects confidentiality and privacy of patients, caregivers, and fellow team members. Communicates in a respectful and courteous manner. Minimizes non-productive time and fills any periods of low census and/or slow periods with activities and cross-training to meet the future needs of the organization. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state or organization requirements and is in good working order. Must be willing to travel the entire service area. Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Based on primary state of residency and in accordance with current Virginia Board of Nursing Regulations, must be licensed or eligible to practice pending licensure as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia with either a: Multi-state license, under the Nurse Licensure Compact OR Single-state license, valid in Virginia only. Maintains a current CPR certification. Minimum of two years’ experience, at least one of which is in the area of public health, home care, or hospice nursing is preferred. Self- directed and able to work with minimal supervision. Responsible for supervising hospice aides. Demonstrates excellent observation, problem solving, verbal and written communications, nursing skills per competency checklist. Shows ability to organize and prioritize workload independently BENEFITS Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Retirement with Company Match Paid Time Off Paid Volunteer Time Thrift Shop Discount Blue Ridge Care is a non-profit, equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and patients served.
