Staff RN

At Community Hospice & Health Services and its affiliates, Community Hospice & Health Services Foundation, and CHI Management, Inc. (herein referred to collectively as “CHHS”) you will find a family-based and compassionate work environment. Our goal is to provide a wonderful work experience that allows our employees to thrive by feeling engaged and fulfilled each day. CHHS is the largest and oldest nonprofit hospice and community-based palliative care provider in the Central Valley.

We are proud to indicate that CHHS has been supporting and providing compassionate and quality services to our community since 1979. Our mission is to embrace individuals and families facing life-changing journeys, enhancing quality of life for all. CHHS is accredited by CHAP (Community Health Accredited Program).

DEPARTMENT:     Alexander Cohen Hospice House (ACHH)

REPORTS TO:        ACHH Administrator     

SUMMARY:   As a member of the ACHH Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), the RN works under the direction of the ACHH Administrator in the provision of skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care in order to maximize the comfort and quality of life of patients and their families in the inpatient setting.  Responsible for coordinating the care provided by the inpatient interdisciplinary team and the outpatient interdisciplinary team when needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assesses all patients admitted to the ACHH, reviews transfer documents, communicates with physician and/or Medical Director, notifies IDT of patient arrival, assures that patient and family have been oriented to the ACHH and plans, implements, and evaluates the plan of care with the IDT and the patient/family.    
• Performs reassessment of needs according to patient level of acuity.  Provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and family directly and by interaction with the IDT.  Provides direct patient care according to the plan of care.                
• Maintains communication with the IDT in AM report and as needed regarding patient changes in status and any patient/family needs or problems.
• Initiates communication with the physician, Medical Director, IDT, community agencies, and administrative staff, as needed to coordinate the plan of care and use of resources for patient/family. 
• Maintains up-to-date records so that problems, plans, actions, including patient family teaching and goals are accurately and clearly documented and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Plans for discharge of patients to acute care, skilled nursing, and to the home environment, and communicates with the outpatient IDT to assure continuity of care. 
• Participates in weekly IDT meetings to problem solve, update the plan of care, and share professional support and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth.
• Participates in in-services, workshops, and clinical meetings to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.
• Coordinates physical care of the patient including providing direct patient care, assigning and supervising CHHA and LVN care, teaching patients/families, CHHAs, LVNs, and volunteers.
• Provides the appropriate environment as identified by the patient/family to support the patient/family during the dying process.
• Participates in the orientation of new employees to the ACHH.
• Participates in Community Hospice & Health Services and ACHH quality improvement process by using Quality Assurance Alert forms to report problems and participating in projects as assigned by the ACHH Administrator.  
• Follows all ACHH and Community Hospice & Health Services policies and procedures including, but not limited to, safety, infection control, privacy and confidentiality, and HIPAA.
• Maintains a professional appearance of self and working area.  Exhibits professional and courteous behavior at all times with patients, families, guests, team members and other co-workers, and clients.
• Must maintain RN license in accordance with federal, state and local laws, and must act only within the scope of his or her state license. All personnel qualifications must be kept current at all times.

Other Functions:

• Other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise meet the needs of the organization.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe environment for patients/families, and a safe working environment for self and coworkers.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Maturity and ability to cope with the demands of the job.
• Empathetic attitude toward the care and needs of the terminal patient and their family.
• Able to recognize and follow healthy emotional boundaries.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow written directions and to provide accurate and timely documentation.
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team. 

• Possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the State of California.
• At least one year of nursing care experience as a professional nurse.  Prefer two years general experience plus one year of hospice experience.
• Able to work with an Interdisciplinary Team and the patient/family in the planning of patient/family care. 
• Able to provide highly skilled care in a homelike environment.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and respond to needs of the patient/family experience of end-of-life issues and problems.
• Skills in nursing practice including, but not limited to, care of the patient with IV or SQ access, trach care, tube feedings, aerosol treatments, and families in emotional state and crisis.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The environment for this position is home-like, with climate controls.  The employee may be exposed to virus, disease and infection from patients.  The employee may experience situations, with emotionally disturbed, substance abuse, serious illness, and deceased patients.