Palliative Care RN (tuftsmedicine)

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Home Care Nurse duties: Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care needs of a designated group of patients or provides nursing care and identified clinical support tasks within the scope of practice for achievement of the patient’s plan of care as directed.  Provides professional nursing care to patients. Requires a nursing license.   A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically JOB IS FROM: nursingjobs.siteVIEWacquired through advanced education.   An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.   Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices. 

Job Overview 

The position provides a supportive role to the clinical management team and performs a variety of duties in the coordination of the delivery of care to patients and families in their homes.  Triages calls related to patient care, including physician orders, staff issues and other clinical issues.   

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Registered Nurse (RN) 

2. Three (3) years of community health experience required or combination of at least one year of acute medical/surgical nursing experience and 2 years of home health experience required.   

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Prior experience in telephone triage preferred. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Provides effective coordination of clinical services, consistent with the objectives of agency. 

2. Works closely with clinical staff to provide necessary services for patients and families in a timely manner, including the provision of direct patient care. 

3. Communicates regularly with Clinical Managers as well as with the Clinical Director when issues arise relative to clinical practice or other performance related issues. 

4. Demonstrates expertise and knowledge in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to: Current methods of care and treatment; Policies, procedures and protocols which are specific to the Agency; The Agency Infection Control Plan; A working knowledge of all reimbursement criteria; A working knowledge of all regulations; Has a working knowledge of the Medicare Conditions of Participation; and Assisting with individual caseload reviews or other audits as assigned by the manager or Clinical Director. 

7. Assists with orientation and preceptor of clinical staff. 

8. Demonstrates the clinical expertise needed to provide effective guidance to clinical staff related to patient visit frequency, skill and homebound status, and patient interventions.  

9. Evaluates performance of each individual in relation to established standards in collaboration with the clinical manager. 

10. Determines staff competency in a fair and consistent manner; provides direction as necessary, leads by example. 

11. Works collaboratively with all disciplines, facilitating productivity, cooperation and efficient operations. 

12. Assists in clinical manager’s and scheduling coordinator in appropriate coverage based on census, skill mix, geographic location, patient need and clinical capacity.  

13. Triages calls from physician and follows through on required actions, including communication to field staff, changes in orders, scheduling prn visits, and f/u as clinical resource to clinical staff if needed.  

14. Utilizing voice mail and e-mail, communicates with others, as necessary in an effective and efficient manner.  Responds to inquiries in a timely manner.  Documents appropriately. 

15. Consults with Managers regularly, providing information about progress and concerns. 

16. Provides documentation which is concise, accurate and informative, and which supports reimbursement. 

17. Assists with reviews of clinical reports such as timelines of care and other audits as assigned by the Clinical Director.  

18. Represents the Agency at community and/or professional organizations.                                

19. Practices in accordance with standards of care, policies, procedures, and scope of practice, demonstrating an awareness of regulatory guidelines. 

20. Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of what to report to the CEO or Chief Compliance Officer when concerns of corporate compliance arise.   

21. Ensures compliance within guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies (DPH, ERISA etc.) and demonstrates compliance with Tufts Medicine Care at Home policies and procedures. 

22. Practices confidentiality principles set by the agency and federal HIPAA/HITECH guidelines. 

23. Participates in all mandatory in-services. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. 

2. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 25 lbs and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. 

3. The employee in this position frequently communicates internally and externally. 

4. Must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email and/or in person. 

5. Specific vision abilities apply including close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. 

6. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

7. While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Positive, enthusiastic, helpful personality. 

2. Organized, able to set priorities and work effectively under pressure with minimal supervision. 

3. In depth understanding of Medicare Conditions of Participation and PPS, and case management. 

4. Strong planning, problem solving, decision-making, leadership, and motivational skills required. 

5. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with people of varied backgrounds 

6. Ability to work with a multi-disciplinary team of home health clinicians 

7. Computer skills and ability to use word processing, data base and systems applications, etc. preferred. 

8. Ability to take initiative and make recommendations for improvement. 

9. Ability to read/write and communicate in English.  

10. Excellent interpersonal skills. 

11. Ability to function well in very busy situations. 

12. Responsible and reliable.