RN Extended Service Unit

This is an on-call, after hours position that is scheduled Monday through Friday 4:00 pm to 8:00 am and Saturday/Sunday 24 hours.

Job Summary
Primary functions are to administer nursing care after normal business hours for clients of all ages in their place of residence, coordinate care with the interdisciplinary team, patient/family and referring agency; and assume the responsibility for coordination of care. ESU RNs will triage patients to determine priority for visits, perform education and instruction over the phone or in person according to need, perform after-hours admissions and document as per VNA policies.

Reporting Responsibility: Reports to Managing Director, Hospice

Job Qualifications:
Education: Graduate of an accredited Diploma, Associate or Baccalaureate School of Nursing
Licensure: Current Texas State license as a Registered Nurse, current Texas Driver’s License
Experience: One year of experience as a Registered Nurse in a clinical care setting required, hospice Experience preferred. If working in patient’s home, proof of current CPR. Must be able to read and write English.
Skills: Nursing skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice. Good interpersonal skills. Proof of current CPR. Must be able to read and write English. Transportation: Reliable transportation. Valid and current auto liability insurance.

Environmental and Working Conditions:
Works in patient’s home and facilities in various conditions; possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids and infectious diseases; ability to work flexible schedule; ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather. Must have Hepatitis consent/declination. Must have proof of Tb test.

Physical and Mental Effort:
Prolonged standing and walking required, with ability to lift up to 50 lbs and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines and patient needs, and to make quick decisions and resource acquisition; meet patient/family individualized psycho social needs. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Criminal History: Must pass background check.

Essential Functions:

• Assess hospice patients to identify the physical, psycho social, and environmental needs as evidenced by documentation, clinical record, team report, and evaluations.
• Respond to both scheduled after-hours visits and PRN calls in a timely, thorough and courteous manner.
• Admit patients to hospice and palliative program as needed after hours and as ordered by referral source and scheduled by manager.
• Implement/develop/document the plan of care to ensure quality and continuity of care.
• Applies concepts of infection control and standard precautions in coordinating and performing patient care activities to prevent contamination and transmission of disease.
• Provide clinical directions to the Hospice Aide/LVN to ensure quality and continuity of service provided.
• Assure continuity of quality patient care delivered with appropriate documentation.
• Monitor assigned cases to ensure compliance with requirements of third party payor.
• Demonstrate commitment, professional growth and competency.
• Promote Agency philosophy and administrative policies.
• Perform on-call responsibilities and provide on-call service to patients/families as assigned
• Coordination of care with IDT, team physicians, marketing team and directors of hospice.
• Provide effective communication to patient/family, team members, and other health care professionals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred

Required