Position Description: Primary Nurse

Purpose:         As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Primary Nurse works under the general direction of the Patient Care Coordinator, the attending physician and the interdisciplinary group in providing skilled nursing assessments, planning, and care in order to maximize the comfort and health of both WWCH patients and their loved ones/caregivers.

Responsibilities:         Responsible for identifying patient and loved ones/caregiver needs and for providing supportive care in accordance with the attending physician’s orders and plan of care and the policies and procedures of Walla Walla Community Hospice.  Must be a team player who supports an interdisciplinary team concept of caring for patients and loved ones/caregivers.

Qualifications:

1. Possession of a current license to practice as a registered nurse in the States of Washington and Oregon
2. At least two years of varied work experience as a professional nurse desirable and preferably one of the years in an acute care setting
3. Ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and loved ones/caregivers in varied settings.
4. Skilled in nursing practice, able to cope with loved ones/caregivers’ emotional stress and tolerant of individual lifestyles
5. Ability to make meaningful observations, skilled assessments, and write comprehensive, accurate reports
6. Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, the use of a reliable vehicle, and the ability to drive year-round to locations in Walla Walla county, Columbia county and northeastern Umatilla county
7. Must be able to take direction, work independently and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a positive, professional manner which supports the mission of the organization

Functions:      This is a list of major functions of the position, for guidance.  It is not intended as a complete list and may be modified verbally or in writing by the Executive Director and/or supervisor at any time to reflect the changing needs of WWCH.

1. Shall be assigned patient caseload by the Patient Care Coordinator or designee
2. Assume primary responsibility for a patient caseload that includes the assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process
3. Initiate communication with attending physicians, WWCH staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient and loved ones/caregivers
4. Maintain regular communication with the attending physician concerning the patient and loved ones/caregivers
5. Seek input from other team members regarding the patient plan of care to obtain additional knowledge and support
6. Provide accurate and timely documentation in electronic medical records.
7. Participates in and contributes appropriate information for Interdisciplinary Group meetings
8. Accept responsibility for coordinating physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers or by providing direct care as appropriate
9. Meet regularly with the WWCH nursing staff to review problems or unique issues from caseloads; share professional support; and exchange feedback aimed toward enhancing professional growth
10. Attend patient care conferences and facilitate discussion of issues from caseload for full staff discussion, consultation and evaluation
11. Supervise and document the NAC every two weeks or as assigned
12. Inform the Patient Care Coordinator of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues
13. Assume the role of associate nurse when responding to patient/loved ones/caregivers of other primary nurses during on-call time or as requested by the Patient Care Coordinator to fill patient/family needs during the absence of other primary nurses
14. Share in providing 24 hour, 7 day a week On Call RN availability to patients and loved ones/caregivers
15. Provide appropriate support at time of death and period of bereavement
16. Participate in the WWCH orientation and in-service training programs for professional staff
17. Participate in agency and community programs as required to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care
18. Maintain familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of State and Federal bodies which govern hospice
19. Accept other assignments as appropriate

The position of Primary Nurse is on an at-will basis.  This means that either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or reason, unless expressly prohibited by law.