Registered Nurse Care Manager – Hope Hospice – New Braunfels, TX

• Graduate of approved school of nursing, preferably with a Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree.
• Current licensure to practice professional nursing in the State of Texas.
• Reliable means of transportation; valid Texas driver’s license; automobile insurance.
• One or more years experience in an acute care setting is required.
• Knowledge of case management approach, of working within an interdisciplinary team, and of nursing process as it applies to hospice, palliative care, and home health patients and their families is preferred.
• Pain and symptom control skills, crisis intervention expertise, and family/ patient teaching and counseling skills are required.
• Computer knowledge required.
• Critical thinking skills, ability to problem solve, make decisions, set priorities, and keep timely, accurate and orderly records is required.
• Presents with a professional personal appearance, behavior, attitude, and integrity.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Is a demonstrated team player who is flexible, self-motivated, dependable, and works well with others.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Comprehensive Patient Care

• Performs and documents initial and on-going skilled nursing assessments of patient’s needs – physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual.

• Maintains and updates accordingly the patient/family Plan of Care, using the nursing process.

• Assesses and documents changes in patient’s condition, evaluating and appropriately reporting to the patient’s physician and/or Medical Director and the Interdisciplinary Team.

• Evaluates the patient’s medication needs for palliation by consulting appropriately with the patient’s physician/Medical Director.

• Coordinates and completes patient admissions as assigned.

• Cooperates with the patient’s recertification process by evaluating and documenting the patient’s qualifications for on-going hospice services, as appropriate.

B. Care Manager: Family/Caregiver/Team

• Assures caregiver competence by instructing and verifying understanding of: disease process, signs and symptoms of approaching death, equipment, supplies, and medication usage; safety measures, including body mechanics and standard precautions.

• Provides supervision of Hospice Aides, evaluating competency, and supervises as required.

• Evaluates and coordinates any needed changes in the patient’s level of care, including hospitalization, respite care, continuous care and transfers.

• Participates in team care planning—interdisciplinary team (IDT) and care planning meetings/family conferences for nursing home patients.

• Coordinates additional services needed, such as referrals for contracted therapists (Physical, Speech, Occupational, Massage and Nutritional) and medical equipment/supply placement and removal.

• Monitors caregiver’s stress and ability to care for the patient and reports to the Interdisciplinary Team any changes needed.

• Provides emotional support for patient/family/caregiver as needed.

C. Death & Bereavement

• Assists the patient, family and caregivers at time of death by attending and by handling necessary arrangements such as: pronouncing death, preparing the body, arranging for funeral home to remove body, notification of appropriate authorities, and medication and equipment disposal or removal, in accordance with hospice policy.

• Supports family/caregivers in anticipatory bereavement needs and transition to the bereavement program following the death of the patient.

D. Professional Work Standards

• Assures comprehensive patient care by participating in after hours provision of care and services as required.

• Fosters communication, reimbursement, and evidence of compliance by completing all required documentation in a timely manner and per agency policy.

• Assures that the Plan of Care is followed, including visits as indicated.

• Participates in Risk Management by practicing safety measures, including standard precautions, back precautions, home and personal safety precautions, and by reporting injuries, accidents, and incidents according to policy.

• Attends in-services and keeps abreast of all policies, procedures, activities and regulations affecting professional performance, including risk management.

• Establishes and maintains professional relationships in nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and contracted hospitals.

E. General

• Supports philosophy and objectives of Hope Hospice.

• Maintains professional competency in area of expertise.

• Maintains professional licensure and/or certification current; know and abide by professional practice rules.

• Stays current with governmental and accreditation requirements affecting area of responsibility.

• Maintains professional appearance, behavior, attitude, and integrity.

• Keeps abreast of and abide by policies and procedures of the agency.

• Maintains confidentiality and ethical behavior.

• Promotes a team approach through cooperation, mutual respect, flexibility, and dependability.

• Participates in appropriate meetings and activities, including Quality Assessment/Performance Improvement.

• Exhibits good stewardship of resources, including self-care.

• Contributes to an atmosphere of excellence, mutual respect, and caring.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Please note this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by
employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the employee assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.