Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description
Willow Spring Hospice Care (A subsidiary of Optum Health)
**Job Summary:**
The Registered Nurse (RN) at Willow Spring Hospice Care is responsible for providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients at the end of life. The RN works as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans that address the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of hospice patients and their families.
**Key Responsibilities:**
- **Patient Care:**
Provide direct nursing care to hospice patients in their homes or in inpatient settings, including pain and symptom management, medication administration, wound care, and other nursing interventions.
- **Care Planning:**
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals, to develop and implement comprehensive care plans that align with the patient’s goals and wishes.
- **Patient and Family Education:**
Educate patients and families about the disease process, palliative care options, and symptom management. Provide support and guidance to help them make informed decisions about care.
- **Assessment and Documentation:**
Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ physical and emotional status, documenting findings in compliance with hospice regulations and company policies. Maintain accurate and timely records of all patient interactions.
- **Communication:**
Serve as a liaison between the patient, family, and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated and continuous care. Communicate changes in patient condition to the appropriate team members promptly.
- **Crisis Management:**
Respond to urgent patient needs and crises with appropriate interventions, including coordinating care and communicating with the healthcare team.
- **Compliance and Quality Assurance:**
Ensure all care provided meets regulatory requirements and organizational standards for quality and safety. Participate in quality improvement initiatives as needed.
**Qualifications:**
- **Education:**
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred.
- **Experience:**
Minimum of 1-2 years of nursing experience, preferably in hospice, palliative care, or home health. Experience with pain and symptom management is highly valued.
- **Licensure/Certification:**
Current, unencumbered RN license in the state of California. Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPN) is a plus.
- **Skills:**
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities. Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care.
- **Other Requirements:**
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to travel within the service area to provide care in patients' homes.
**Working Conditions:**
- **Environment:**
The position involves working in various settings, including patient homes, inpatient facilities, and other care environments.
- **Physical Demands:** Requires the ability to lift, move, or transport patients as needed. Frequent standing, walking, and driving are required.
**Compensation and Benefits:**
Competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and continuing education.