Hospice Weekend RN in Denver, Colorado at Dignity Hospice of Colorado

On-Call Hospice Nurse

Location: South of I-70

Shift: Saturday (7a to 7p), Sunday (7a to 7p) primarily on-call, part-time

Job Summary: The After-Hours RN will provide direct palliative care to terminally ill patients and their families while functioning within a medically approved plan of care.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Perform in-person patient visits as requested by RNCM, triage from 24hr triage service, and Director of Nursing
• Observe and assess patients through data sources such as weight, pedal edema, patient history and input, and respiration. Report observations and changes to RNCM or Physician.
• Assess and monitor pain, administer medication, provide wound care and manage symptoms.
• Educate patients and family about realistic expectations of disease and dying process.
• Respond promptly to internal company messages and phone calls
• Complete initial assessments/admissions and ensure that hospice-appropriate patients are admitted with compliant and complete consent documents.
• Complete medical charting correctly and appropriately for the needs of Medicare, State Health Department, ACHC, and per established standards. Charting is due within 24 hours of visit.
• Review and document patient needs in care plans, document and address problems.
• Communicate with other caregivers and coordinate services of hospice care.
• Present hospice philosophy and services; explain patient rights and responsibilities.
• Attend monthly in-services, meetings and other required training.
• Travel required.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements:

• Must possess current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Colorado.
• Must have valid car insurance and driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and experience in pain and symptom management.
• Well-developed physical assessment skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess patience, tact, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Hospice experience preferred.

Work Environment: General offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and patient home settings will be the primary locations of the Nurse’s activities. Exposure to infectious diseases is possible and universal precautions should be always taken. Travel is a requirement of this position (with mileage reimbursement).

Continuing Education Requirements: All field staff are expected to participate in a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education per year. Employees must attend or make up all mandatory in-services within the posted time frame.