Overview

The After Hours RN will provide direct patient care services to hospice patients and supportive care to the patient’s family after normal business hours on an on-call basis; manage an interdisciplinary group consisting of Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and support staff to enhance the quality of hospice care; and case manages all assigned patient clinical records.

This role also includes after-hours availability, telephone triage response, clinical support, care coordination, admission-related coordination, triage follow-up, visit synchronization, and other activities necessary to support continuity of care and operational needs.

Essential Functions

• Assures the highest quality of care is provided and documented in accordance with the Plan of Care.
• Performs the initial and on-going assessment of the patient.
• Helps develop and implement the Hospice Plan of Care as prescribed by the physician and in conjunction with the other members of the Interdisciplinary Group.
• Responsible for the education of the patient, family or other caregivers in relation to needs identified on the Plan of Care, including, but not exclusive of, medication administration, dressing changes, oxygen administration, Hospice philosophy and care of the terminally ill patient.
• Works closely with other members of the Interdisciplinary Group to provide all-inclusive physical, psychosocial, educational, emotional and spiritual services including bereavement support to the patient and family to achieve the highest quality of care.
• Maintains primary control and professional management of each patient and acts as primary liaison between physician, patient/family and hospice team so as to be fully aware and abreast of all clinical issues, staffing and scheduling concerns.
• Reports any change in the patient’s condition to both the Attending Physician and Hospice Physician.
• Maintains close contact with the patient’s family and/or significant others to provide information, support, and continuity of care.
• Maintains an accurate and updated medical record, including all Interdisciplinary notes, Plans of Care, initial and on-going assessments and any other information pertinent to the care of the patient.
• Performs on-going review and follow up on assigned patient clinical records to assure quality services are provided, standards of practice are followed, and compliance with policies, procedures and regulatory requirements is met and maintained.
• Practices infection control measures and standard precautions.
• Makes routine supervisory visits of, and with, all other team members at least monthly.
• Monitors scheduling of all staff.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge pertaining to the management of pain and symptoms in the dying process.
• Participates in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Program.
• May be asked to perform routine visits during normal business hours.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Performs other activities as assigned.
• Consistently promotes company’s core values.
• Completes required Company annual training.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

About You

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:

Registered Nurse

Experience:

A minimum of one (1) year experience as an RN, either in acute care hospital, oncology, long-term care, hospice or home health. School internships and clinical hours may be considered as experience in individual cases.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registration:

• Current license to practice nursing in the state of requested employment
• Maintains all qualifications required to perform the After Hours RN role, including completion of required onboarding, orientation, competency validation, and ongoing competency requirements.
• CPR Certification
• Current automobile insurance and valid driver’s license

Equipment/Tools/Work-Aids:

Must be able to effectively operate nursing assessment tools, computers, facsimile equipment, copier and cell phone/beeper. Must have and maintain transportation to be used for work.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of terminally ill patients and their families along with understanding of hospice; ability to apply knowledge of the special needs of hospice patient and families; knowledge of roles of all disciplines providing hospice services; excellent patient assessment skills; knowledge of community resources; good oral and written communication skills; documentation and program management; knowledge of general nursing practice; thorough knowledge of managed care principles, regulatory guidelines (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, JCAHO, and human resource) management principles.

Personal Traits, Qualities and Aptitudes:

Sensitivity to the impact of life and death issues faced by individuals with terminal illness; tact in dealing with these patients and their families; ability to support others at a time of crisis. Must be able to demonstrate flexibility by performing a variety of tasks, often changing from one to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure. Communicate effectively with people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Responsible functioning in the workplace, maturity, cooperation, flexibility, tact in dealing with co-workers and all members of the hospice team.

Working Conditions:

Patient’s homes and/or institutional setting and automobile. Potential exposure to infections, communicable diseases, odors, blood, excreta and hazardous materials.

We Offer

Benefits for All Associates (Full-Time & Per Diem):

• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• National & Local Recognition Programs
• Teammate Assistance Fund

Additional Full-Time Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off + 7 Paid Holidays
• Wellness Programs (Telemedicine, Diabetes Management, Joint & Spine Concierge Care)
• Education Support & Tuition Assistance
• Company-paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits (Pet, Critical Illness, Accident, LTC)

Legalese

This is a safety-sensitive position. Employee must meet minimum requirements to be eligible for benefits. Where applicable, employee must meet state specific requirements.

Our Company

At Gentiva, it is our privilege to offer compassionate care in the comfort of wherever our patients call home. We are a national leader in hospice care, palliative care, home health care, and advanced illness management, with nearly 600 locations and thousands of dedicated clinicians across 38 states.

Our place is by the side of those who need us – from helping people recover from illness, injury, or surgery in the comfort of their homes to guiding patients and their families through the physical, emotional, and spiritual effects of a serious illness or terminal diagnosis.

Our nationwide reach is powered by a family of trusted brands that include: Hospice care: Gentiva Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice Care, Heartland Hospice, Hospice Plus, New Century Hospice, Regency SouthernCare, SouthernCare Hospice Services, SouthernCare New Beacon; Palliative care: Empatia Palliative Care, Emerald Coast Palliative Care; Home health care: Heartland Home Health; Advanced illness management: Illumia Health.

With corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and providers delivering care across the U.S., we are proud to offer rewarding careers in a collaborative environment where inspiring achievements are recognized – and kindness is celebrated.