Travel Nurse RN - Hospice
Barre, VT
Magnet Medical
5x8 hrs, Nights

Patient Assessment and Care Planning:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, emotional, and spiritual needs upon admission to hospice care.
• Develop individualized care plans that address the patient’s goals, preferences, and care needs, in collaboration with the patient, family, and the interdisciplinary care team.
• Regularly reassess the patient’s condition and adjust the care plan to ensure comfort and quality of life as the patient’s condition changes.
• Identify and monitor symptoms such as pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or anxiety and intervene appropriately.

Symptom and Pain Management:

• Administer prescribed medications, including pain management drugs, sedatives, and other comfort measures, as needed to manage symptoms.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of pain management and other interventions, adjusting as needed to ensure patient comfort.
• Provide guidance on the use of pain medications and other treatments to the patient and family members to prevent discomfort and distress.
• Implement comfort measures, such as positioning, massage, or music therapy, in coordination with other team members.

End-of-Life Care:

• Provide compassionate care to patients in the final stages of life, supporting them through the dying process while respecting their personal and cultural wishes.
• Offer emotional and psychological support to both the patient and their family, addressing fears, anxiety, and grief.
• Assist in the coordination of spiritual care services, as appropriate, based on the patient’s and family’s needs.
• Ensure the patient’s dignity is maintained, helping manage advanced care decisions such as advance directives and do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• Offer support and guidance regarding end-of-life choices, including hospice services, funeral arrangements, and legacy-making activities.

Family Support and Education:

• Provide education to the family and caregivers about the patient’s condition, expected progression, and what to expect during the end-of-life process.
• Teach caregivers how to manage the patient’s medications, symptom control techniques, and comfort measures.
• Offer emotional support to family members, addressing feelings of grief, fear, and uncertainty throughout the hospice care process.
• Provide respite care recommendations to families when needed, ensuring they receive proper support and self-care.

Coordination of Care:

• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, including physicians, social workers, chaplains, and home health aides, to provide holistic care tailored to the patient’s needs.
• Communicate regularly with the physician to update on patient progress and symptom management, ensuring that all aspects of care are well coordinated.
• Arrange for any necessary home care services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, to maximize the patient’s comfort and quality of life.
• Serve as a liaison between the patient, family, and other members of the healthcare team to ensure seamless care delivery.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in the patient’s medical record, including assessments, care plans, symptom management, medications, and interventions.
• Document patient and family communication, as well as changes in the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
• Complete required paperwork, including admissions, visit notes, and discharge reports, following hospice regulations and organizational protocols.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards in all aspects of care and documentation.

Emergency Care:

• Provide immediate care in cases of sudden changes in the patient’s condition, such as respiratory distress or severe pain, in accordance with established hospice protocols.
• Assess emergency situations and make necessary referrals to ensure appropriate intervention (e.g., hospitalizations or palliative care team support) when indicated.
• Guide the family and caregivers in responding to changes in the patient’s condition and provide reassurance during crises.

Community Involvement and Support:

• Participate in community outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to promote the benefits of hospice care and raise awareness.
• Collaborate with other healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure that hospice services are accessible and well understood by the general public.
• Participate in hospice-related education and training programs to stay up-to-date with current best practices in palliative and end-of-life care.