NELSON REGION HOSPICE TRUST JOB DESCRIPTION: PALLIATIVE CARE R EGISTERED NURSE RESPONSIBLE TO: FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Clinical Nurse Leader Patients, their families/whanau Hospice Manager Hospice & Administration staff and Volunteers General Practitioners Palliative Care Specialist Hospice Medical Officers Allied Health Professionals Nelson Marlborough District Health Board staff NELSON HOSPICE PHILOSOPHY: The patient and family are actively supported and empowered to participate in their care and decisions regarding their care. To assist patients to make the most of the life that remains and to ensure that patients die comfortably, with dignity and in their own homes if that is their wish. To provide support and care for the family and close friends during the patient s illness and in bereavement. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To provide professional patient and family centered palliative care to hospice patients and their families/ whanau to assist them to cope with a terminal illness. KEY TASKS: 1. To complete a holistic assessment, develop and implement a plan of care in conjunction with the patient, which identifies their needs and provides appropriate intervention. That the delivery of hospice/palliative care is consistent with Hospice NZ standards and is individualised for each patient. The patient and family are actively supported and empowered to participate in their care. p:\job descriptions\nursing\rn hospice nurse. j.des..doc - 1 -
The care plan is developed in consultation with the patient and family/ whanau and provides clear management directions for nursing staff and members of the multidisciplinary team including discharge planning and expected outcomes. 2. To palliate symptoms to maximise quality of life for the patient and their family/ whanau. Patient and family/ whanau autonomy in decisions affecting symptom control and quality of life is promoted and supported. Symptom control issues are responded to promptly, interventions evaluated with the care co-ordinator and multidisciplinary team and adjusted as appropriate. Staff demonstrates a high level of appropriate clinical skills and knowledge. 3. To provide a resource role for hospital staff and other health care providers in the community. The Hospice nurse will display a high level of professional expertise appropriate to the service area and the community; and other health care providers will have access to specialist palliative care advice as required. Effective communication with staff and other health professionals, both internal and external. 4. To participate in the Nelson Region Hospice Service Quality Improvement and Staff Development programmes. Staff maintain their own competencies and professional development and are committed to providing quality care within best practice models. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of legislation, legal and professional issues affecting nursing practice. Service standards, objectives and philosophy will be met at all times. Actively participates in audit /peer review and education sessions. Is committed to achieving the organisation s goals and the business plan. To assist in the review and update of Quality Improvement on a regular basis. Participates in individual performance appraisal based on agreed personal and organisational goals. p:\job descriptions\nursing\rn hospice nurse. j.des..doc - 2 -
5. To facilitate the development and maintenance of an integrated hospice/palliative care service. Attendance at weekly multidisciplinary meeting if required and rostered on duty. Ensure timely and relevant documentation for all appropriate organisational and clinical record systems. Accurate completion of clinical work sheets and patient medical records. Accurate documentation in the PalCare system. Participate in monthly staff meetings. Takes an active role in the organisation by: - participating in committees - reading and actioning minutes, memos and circulars Ensures the most efficient utilisation of resources. 6. To ensure safe practice The collection of data complies with professional and statutory requirements. Adheres to all organisational policy and procedures including Health & Safety and Infection Control. Report any unsafe conditions or practice. You may be required to perform other duties/tasks not detailed in the job description. I have read and understood this job description and agree to carry out the responsibilities and other duties as requested. Employee: Signed: Date: p:\job descriptions\nursing\rn hospice nurse. j.des..doc - 3 -
General Responsibilities of an Employee of Nelson Region Hospice Trust 1. Professional Responsibilities As an employee of NRHT you are required to: Maintain any qualifications, including registrations and practicing certificates, required for legal and safe practice. Keep yourself up to date on knowledge, best practices and legislation relating to your work. Make a personal contribution towards effective and efficient working relationships within your team and with other NRHT areas of work. Ensure you carry out your work in a way that is customer-focused and meets professional standards. In conjunction with your manager, identify your own training needs and plan to meet these needs. Manage your own time and prioritise your work effectively. 2. Legislation, Regulations and Company Policies Be familiar with and adhere to the provisions of: - all relevant acts and regulations, - all company and hospice policies, - relevant procedure manuals, - the Employee Obligations which accompany the NRHT Policy and Procedures. 3. Risk Management Support and promote actions and initiatives in your work area which enable risks to be identified and eliminated or reduced. Be especially aware of those risks which have high cost or safety implications. Complete an accident/incident report for any accident, incident or near miss which has taken place at work. p:\job descriptions\nursing\rn hospice nurse. j.des..doc - 4 -
4. Occupational Health and Safety Carry out your work in a healthy and safe manner. Encourage and assist others to work in the same way. Report and rectify any unsafe workplace conditions/practices. Complete an accident report for any accident or injury which has taken place at work, ensuring, in the case of injury, that your manager is notified within 24 hours. Co-operate with, support and promote occupational health and safety actions and initiatives in the workplace. Read and understand the health and safety manual, any relevant chemical information, and the emergency plan. Keep your knowledge of identified hazards up to date. 5. Security Wear your identification badge at all times when on site or when carrying out official duties. Report any suspicious or unusual occurrence to the person in charge. Complete an incident report for any incident that has or might have compromised the safety of staff, patients and visitors. 6. Confidentiality Adhere to the Privacy Act 1993 and the Health Information Privacy Code 1994 and subsequent amendments concerning the non-disclosure of information. Strict confidentiality of patient, applicant and employee s information is maintained at all times. 7. Quality Improvement Employees should participate in quality improvement processes in their area of work 8. Treaty of Waitangi Nelson Region Hospice Trust is committed to its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. As an employee you are required to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, Partnership, Participation and Protection p:\job descriptions\nursing\rn hospice nurse. j.des..doc - 5 -