Registered Nurse Hospice Special Coverage

As a Registered Nurse in Hospice Special Coverage at Intermountain Health, you will take on a variety of responsibilities centered around patient care. This includes providing hands-on nursing tasks such as medication administration, wound care, and IV therapy. You'll assess patients' physical and emotional conditions, develop personalized care plans, educate patients and caregivers on treatment protocols, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to coordinate care effectively. Your role is crucial in ensuring that patients receive not just medical care, but compassionate support in their own homes.

While prior hospice experience is valued, it is not strictly necessary to apply for the Registered Nurse position at Intermountain Health. We welcome newly licensed RNs, especially those with less than 12 months of experience, to grow and learn within our supportive environment. However, if you have experience in acute care, home health, or hospice settings, that would be beneficial to your application.

To qualify for the Registered Nurse role in Hospice Special Coverage at Intermountain Health, you must possess a current RN license in Utah, basic life support (BLS) certification, and a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation. Effective communication skills are essential for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams. While a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) is preferred, it is not mandatory for applicants with relevant nursing experience.

The weekend schedule for the Registered Nurse in Hospice Special Coverage at Intermountain Health is designed to provide a flexible work-life balance, particularly for those who may have other commitments during the week. With alternating Saturday and Sunday shifts from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, you'll find that this role allows you to dedicate time to both your career and personal life without compromising on either. The part-time nature of the position makes it particularly suitable for candidates seeking fulfilling work that aligns with their lifestyle.

Intermountain Health is committed to nurturing the career growth of its Registered Nurses. As a Hospice RN, you'll have access to professional development through specialized training programs focused on wound care, medication management, and IV therapy, all designed to enrich your skill set in a home care context. Additionally, we offer opportunities for further certifications, ensuring that our nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise to provide exceptional patient care.

When addressing a challenging patient situation, it's important to remain calm and patient-focused. Describe a specific instance where you utilized active listening to understand the patient’s concerns, collaborated with your healthcare team to create a strategy, and communicated clearly with the patient and family members to provide reassurance and clarity. Emphasizing your problem-solving skills and empathy can show your ability to handle such scenarios effectively.

In my role as a Hospice Registered Nurse, I prioritize clear and compassionate communication when educating patients and families about treatment plans and healthcare management. I employ various techniques, such as visual aids and teach-back methods, to ensure understanding. Emphasize the importance of tailoring your educational approach to fit individual learning styles and addressing any questions or concerns the patient or family may have.

Collaboration is key in healthcare. Recall a specific situation where you worked closely with physicians, therapists, and social workers to coordinate comprehensive patient care. Highlight aspects such as regular team meetings or case reviews, where you discussed patient needs, shared insights, and developed a cohesive care plan that improved patient outcomes.

Essential skills for success as a Registered Nurse in hospice care include exceptional communication abilities, a strong foundation in clinical skills, and emotional resilience. Being able to connect empathetically with patients and families, provide excellent hands-on care, and manage complex medical needs while maintaining a calm demeanor in challenging situations is critical.

During home visits, I begin by establishing rapport with the patient and family to create a trusting environment. I conduct a thorough assessment involving visual observation, verbal communication, and physical examinations. Additionally, I actively listen to patient concerns and emotions, ensuring that I'm attentive to psychosocial factors that may be impacting their health, which is vital in hospice care.

When a patient refuses treatment, it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy and respect. I would initiate an open dialogue to understand their concerns and motivations, providing education on the implications of their choice and potential alternatives. I would ensure to document their wishes and involve the healthcare team to explore support options that honor the patient's autonomy while providing compassionate care.

Wound care management is a critical aspect of any nursing role, especially in hospice care. Share a specific example of your involvement in assessing and treating wounds, implementing appropriate interventions and education, and monitoring patient progress. Mention any training or techniques you’ve learned that enhance your wound care skills, demonstrating your commitment to best practices.

In the event of a medical emergency, my first action would be to ensure the patient's safety while quickly assessing the situation. I would follow established emergency protocols, providing immediate care as needed, and call for assistance from emergency services if necessary. Clear communication with the healthcare team and documenting any intervention is crucial, as is providing support to the patient and family during such stressful events.

Prioritization is key in nursing, especially in home care settings. I assess the urgency and importance of each task based on patient needs and care protocols. For instance, I may tackle high-alert medications and treatments first, followed by scheduled assessments and patient education. I also dynamically adjust my priorities based on changes in patient condition throughout my shifts.

My motivation to work in hospice care stems from a deep commitment to providing compassionate, dignified care during some of life’s most challenging moments. I find immense fulfillment in making a positive impact in patients' lives by helping them achieve comfort, knowing that my work contributes to their quality of life and the support of their families is incredibly rewarding.