Registered Nurse - Hospice - Montgomery County - Full-time

Seeking a Full-time Hospice Registered Nurse.  Will work 72 hours bi-weekly (3 - 12 hour shifts each week), alternating holidays and weekends.

Job Summary

Provides skilled professional nursing care to the patient as prescribed by the physician and in compliance with regulations as established by the State Board of Nursing and department policies. The RN/Case Manager coordinates the interdisciplinary care team for the patient and family to assure continuity of care.  Services may be provided to neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations.

This position supports the Frederick Health mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the Frederick Health Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the Frederick Health Standards of Behavior.

Essential Functions:

•       Completes assessment and admission of patients as assigned.

•          Assesses and regularly re-evaluates patient and family needs.

•          Performs basic physical assessment of all body systems.

•          Assesses physical environment including safety factors
•       Revises plan of care as necessary.

•        Documents assessment and completes all required forms including consents in compliance with policies and procedures.

•         Utilization of all elements of the nursing process.

•          Promotes optimum patient comfort as part of an interdisciplinary team under the     attending physician’s orders.

•          Provides case management for assigned patients.

•          Initiates and sustains implementation of orders as prescribed by the physician.

•         Notifies attending physician of any changes in care plan.

•          Is compliant at all times with policies regarding documentation.

•          Monitors documentation in the clinical record and initiates the discharge planning process for assigned patients.

•          Assures that all team members have completed the discharge summary.

•          Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently, meeting applicable competency standards.

•          Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician.

•          Recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling.

•          Works in concert with the other interdisciplinary team members.

•          Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently, meeting applicable competency standards.

•          Carries out basic Infection Control procedures.

•          Uses equipment properly.

•          Disposes of dressings and other waste according to protocol.

•       Recognizes and validates the psycho/ social/ spiritual state of individuals in the home.

•         Makes a supervisory visit to observe the work of Home Health Aides at least every 14 days.

•          Keeps appropriate team members apprised of changes and updates to patient/family/caregiver status.

•          Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills.

•         Participates in continuing education and in-service classes.

•          Stays informed of department/hospital events by reading minutes or attending staff meetings 100% of time.

•         Actively participates in quality management programs.

•         Interacts in a calm, courteous and professional manner.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates clinical competency in area of practice.  Understands Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
• Must be licensed driver with a reliable vehicle that is insured in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements.
• Self-directed with the ability to work with little supervision.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and proper use of equipment listed on the Unit Specific Competency Tool.
• Demonstrates knowledge of office equipment including but not limited to:  telephone, photocopier, facsimile equipment, computer and printer.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• At least 2 years general nursing experience is required with current Hospice, medical, surgical, critical care or home health experience.  Experience providing pain management, IV skills preferred. Hospice nursing experience preferred.
• Bachelors of Science in Nursing Required or Associates degree in Nursing with a signed 
• BSN agreement to obtain BSN within 5 years of employment.  

    Patient Contact:

If applicable, must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups:

            _X__    Neonate (0 thru 30 days)

            __X_    Infant (31 thru 12 months)

            _X__    Child (13 months thru 12 years)

            _X__    Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)

            __X_    Adult (18 years thru 65 years)

            __X_      Geriatric (66+ years)    

Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status.  Possess the ability to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit’s/department’s policies and procedures.

 Physical Requirements:

Medium-Heavy Work – Lifting up to 75 pounds on an infrequent basis (less than one lift every three minutes) and/or carrying up to 35 pounds while walking.  Pushing or pulling up to 115 pounds infrequently or greater than 115 pounds occasionally (no more than once per hour).

Ergonomic Risk Factors:

Repetition:  Repeating the same motion over and over again places stress on the muscles and tendons.  The severity of risk depends on how often the action is repeated, the speed of the movement, the required force and muscles involved.

Forceful Exertion:  The amount of physical effort required to perform a task (such as moving patients) or to maintain control of equipment or tools.  The amount of force depends on the type of grip, the weight of an object or person, body posture, the type of activity and the duration of the task.

Awkward Posture:  Posture is the position your body is in and its effect on the muscle groups that are involved in the physical activity.  Awkward postures include repeated or prolonged reaching, twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, working overhead with your hands or arms, or holding fixed positions.

Contact Stress:  Pressing the body hard on sharp edges can result in placing too much pressure on nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.  For example, using the palm of your hand to hit or stick objects can increase risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working Conditions:

Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Risk:   Category A – WILL have exposure to blood or body fluids.

 Reporting Relationship:

Hospice Clinical Manager 

Disclaimer:

The content of this document reflects the general duties, responsibilities, minimum skills, abilities and competencies necessary to perform the essential functions of the job and should not be considered as an exhaustive detailed description of all the work requirements of the position.

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY 

Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable. 

Hourly range: $36.07 - $55.17