Registered Nurse - Hospice - Weekend Days

Hospice Nurse

Imagine a career at one of the nation's most advanced health networks.

Be part of an exceptional health care experience. Join the inspired, passionate team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, a nationally recognized, forward-thinking organization offering plenty of opportunity to do great work.

LVHN has been ranked among the "Best Hospitals" by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive years. We're a Magnet(tm) Hospital, having been honored five times with the American Nurses Credentialing Center's prestigious distinction for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes in our Lehigh Valley region. Finally, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Hospital- Hazleton, and Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono each received an 'A' grade on the Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in 2020, the highest grade in patient safety. These recognitions highlight LVHN's commitment to teamwork, compassion, and technology with an unrelenting focus on delivering the best health care possible every day.

Whether you're considering your next career move or your first, you should consider Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Summary

Provides and directs the provision of nursing care for hospice patients and implements the total palliative care in support of the prescribed medical team plan. Plans, organizes, and directs hospice care in collaboration with the hospice interdisciplinary team to meet the needs of the individual and families within their homes and communities.

Job Duties

• Implements the identified plan, coordinates care delivery, and employs strategies to promote healthcare for a designated group of patients. Evaluates progress towards the attainment of goals and outcomes.
• Performs a comprehensive subjective and objective admission that entails an on-going assessment of physical, psychosocial, and environmental parameters.
• Provides direct nursing care with special emphasis on control of pain and other symptoms of the hospice patient.
• Assesses people using a standardized questionnaire to gain pertinent details about their overall health, well-being, abilities, and living environment.
• Alleviates sudden symptoms of the disease's end phase.
• Provides educational opportunities for patients, families, and clinical staff focusing on end-of-life issues, palliative care, advance directives, pain management, symptom control, home care, hospice, and discharge planning.
• Recognizes the need for and initiates collaboration/communication with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, and takes actions to proactively resolve patient needs. Participates in service recovery and the orientation of new staff.
• Retains responsibility and authority for determining appropriateness of plan and implements corrective actions when necessary.
• Provides support and comfort to patients and family members according to the patients individual needs.
• Creates an environment of caring, welcoming, and nurturing for new employees. Supports the culture of safety and complies with the organization's established policies.
• Collaborates with other clinical team members in assessing and supporting psychosocial needs of the patient/family.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in nursing
• 1 year of experience in nursing.
• Ability to build comprehensive reports and effectively convey information to others.
• Ability to deal with crisis situations and make independent judgments.
• Knowledge of patient education techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of home care or hospice conditions.
• Ability to facilitate difficult and complex conversations related to end of life care.
• Knowledge of nursing care process, medication guidelines, and potential side effects.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire
• RN - Licensed Registered Nurse_PA - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire
• CHPN-Certified Hospice-Palliative Nurse HPCC - State of Pennsylvania Upon Hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in nursing (BSN)
• 2 years of experience in hospice nursing.
• Highly skilled in verbal and nonverbal communication related to end of life issues.

Physical Demands

Lift and carry 40-50 lbs. Examples: Push/pull patients on bed, stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force), lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of the patient's weight. Frequent to continuous standing/walking. Patient transporters can walk 8-10 miles per shift. *Patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.

Lehigh Valley Health Network is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.