RN Case Manager - Routine Home Care North Lafayette

Reports To: RHC Coordinator; Assists with supervision of LPNs and HHAs.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Responsible as a member of the IDT to the RHC Coordinator and the attending physician for the provision of skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families consistent with Hospice of Acadiana, Inc.’s policies and procedures and Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

1. Completes an initial, comprehensive, and ongoing assessments of patient and family to determine hospice needs. Provides a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es).
2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.
3. Assesses and evaluates patient’s status by:
   1. Writing and initiating plan of care.
   2. Regularly re-evaluating patient and family/caregiver needs.
   3. Participating in revising the plan of care as necessary.
4. Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnosis.
5. Develops a care plan that establishes goals, based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates palliative nursing actions. Includes the patient and the family in the planning process.
6. Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care.
7. Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs.
8. Provides health care instructions to the patient as appropriate per assessment and plan.
9. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care.
10. Acts as Case Manager when assigned by RHC Coordinator and assumes responsibility to coordinate patient care for assigned caseload.

Communication

1. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
2. Communicates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives physicians’ orders as required.
3. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.
4. Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet, and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families/caregivers. Works in concern with the interdisciplinary group.
5. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
6. Assists the patient and family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.
7. Works in cooperation with the family/caregiver and hospice Interdisciplinary Group Members to meet the emotional needs of the patient and family/caregiver.
8. Attends interdisciplinary team meetings.

Additional Duties

1. Participates in on-call and holiday shift duties as defined by the on-call policy when required.
2. Ensures that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.
3. Supervises ancillary personnel and delegates responsibilities when required.
4. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and in-service classes.
5. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.
6. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
7. RN will be placed on pull-list that serves as potential coverage for after-hours shifts that are vacant due to employees using paid time-off.
8. RN is responsible to work holidays as assigned and may be allowed to coordinate switching shifts or shift coverage at their own discretion.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks or special projects, other than those stated in this description, by supervisors/Leadership Team. 

1. Licensure/Certification/Registration: Currently licensed in Louisiana as an RN-Registered Nurse.
2. Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing school.
3. Experience: Two years of experience as a registered nurse; Hospice experience preferred.
4. Ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings.
5. Skilled in nursing practice, ability to cope with family emotional stress, and tolerance of individual lifestyles.
6. Good oral, written, and organizational skills.
7. Computer literate and familiar with Microsoft Office software.
8. Knowledge of end-of-life process.
9. Possesses current Louisiana Driver’s License, Automobile Liability Coverage, and CPR cert.