RN HOSPICE LIAISON SPECIALIST

This individual is responsible for performing professional nursing activities in accordance with VNA, Hospice and Palliative care programs.
The Hospice Staff Nurse demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are consistent with the standards contained in the Vision,
Mission and Values of Covenant and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Provides skilled nursing care and treatments prescribed by the physician, as part of an interdisciplinary team (I.DT.), for their hospice patients at home; demonstrates teaches and supervises the patient and caregiver regarding care provided.
Initiates preventive, supportive, palliative, and rehabilitative nursing procedures appropriate for patients and safety.
Assists family/caregiver to accept responsibility.
Assists in coordinating patient/family care with other members of the hospice team. Also helps to achieve continuity of individualized care by planning and exchanging necessary information within the agency and with other health and social agencies.
Identifies physical and emotional needs of patients and family through observation and analysis of records. Evaluates the nursing needs of patients on a regular basis.
Participates in bereavement follow-up as appropriate. Maintains records in accordance with agency requirements. Develops and implements the nursing care plan with input from the I.DT., patient and family. Participates as a team member regarding the patient/families plan of care.
Observes, evaluates, records and reports to physician the patients physical and emotional condition and reactions to medications and treatments.
Responsible for renewal of orders as indicated. Interprets to patient/family the agency and Hospice/Palliative care program.
Represents VNA/Hospice and palliative care.
Serves on agency committees as requested.
Teaches basic principles of healthful living. Participates in in-service education and other opportunities for learning and upgrading professional skills.
Evaluates own performance and plans for professional growth.
Supervises activities of para-professional staff. Exercises independent judgement but utilizes supervisory help as necessary.
Oasis information will be collected as mandated federally following agency guidelines.
Participates in the delivery of palliative care services.
Supports transitions of care from Palliative care to Hospice services when appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Current licensure with Michigan State Board of Nursing.
BLS required.
Two years experience in nursing following graduation. Homecare, ICU, Emergency, Hospice experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Comprehensive knowledge and skill in current nursing practice. Knowledgeable regarding hospice concept of care.
Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of the dying and their families.
Able to recognize self-limitations in dealing with the dying. Computer skills.
Able to work with the dying and their families in a constructive, therapeutic manner.
Ability to be flexible to manage a caseload of patients yet able to perform duty needed at any given time. Valid Michigan driver's license, reliable transportation and proof of insurance required.

W ORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EQUIREMENTS

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.
Frequent twisting, reaching, handling, use of hands, feeling, talking, and hearing.
Frequent near vision, midrange vision, far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision, and field of vision.
Frequent driving to provide patient care.
Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.