Palliative Care Nurse

Are you a compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for providing unparalleled Palliative Care? Join our dynamic healthcare team at Klickitat Valley Health as we continue to expand our commitment to exceptionally patient-centered care. We are seeking an experienced Palliative Care RN to join us in making a difference in the lives of our community members.

Klickitat Valley Health is a rural, critical-access hospital located in scenic Goldendale, Washington only two hours from Portland along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. KVH offers emergency and acute inpatient care and a full scope of ancillary services including General Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, PT / OT, Behavioral Health, Dental, Pain Management, Optometry and Hospice. The hospital also owns a busy, well-established primary clinic that is located on hospital campus. Inpatient care is managed by 24/7 Hospitalist staff. KVH employs over 300 staff.

General Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct and indirect nursing care in a patient’s home setting as defined by the Standards and Scope of Practice for the Registered Nurse {Nursing Practice Act (RCW 18.79.010-18.79.902)}. The RN is an important member of the healthcare team and works collaboratively with the other members of the care team to provide optimal outcomes for our patients in a compassionate, professional, ethical, and knowledgeable fashion. The RN demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, physicians, patients and patient family members, etc. The role of the RN includes, but is not limited to: patient centered assessments, planning, implementation and evaluation of patients’ status, plan of care and goal achievement. The RN is aware of the potential exposure to internal and external hazardous materials, including but not limited to: blood and blood borne pathogens, infectious/communicable diseases, potential physical injury while caring for patients.

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Education / Licensure:

• Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing with an active/current RN license in Washington State. BSN preferred, but not required.
• Must possess a valid/current driver’s license in the State of Washington/Oregon depending on residence location.
• Possess or has access to reliable vehicle transportation with auto insurance for doing patient care visits.
• BLS required and pass TB testing.
• Knowledge of HIV/AIDS conditions and protocols.

Experience:

At least two (2) years general nursing experience required, and at least six (6) months nursing experience in Home Health and/or Hospice care preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

• Demonstrates knowledge of the statutes and regulations governing nursing and nursing functions within the legal boundaries of Registered Nurse Practice Act.

• Performs systems assessment on all patients including: geriatric and the general patient population.
• Initiates the plan of care for all patients identifying priorities and setting realistic and measurable goals; coordinates care plan with other health disciplines. Notifies other interdisciplinary team members of patient’s admission to Home Health & Hospice care services and assists with arranging patient visits/care needs with other hospital provider support. May make referrals to other therapies/disciplines as ordered by physician/provider, or to community resources if indicated.
• Evaluates overall plan of care regularly, assesses patient progress, and identifies any changes in status; revises plan of care as indicated by patient’s response to treatment to ensure patient comfort and safety in coordination with patient’s physician/provider.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Formulates teaching plan for patients and families based upon identified learning needs.
• Adequately assesses and reassesses patient needs, including: pain, utilizing appropriate pain medication management techniques, therapy and equipment/supply needs, etc. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management and use of other medical equipment/supplies.
• Delivers and documents patient care as prescribed by the medical provider considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age and within the scope of practice of the Registered Nurse, including: assessing/monitoring vitals, administering therapies and treatment, access/maintains IV/PICC/Port lines for medication and fluids; observing the patient and recording those observations, answering patient/family questions, etc.
• Uses sound nursing judgment to identify and communicate changes in the patient’s condition to the physician/provider in a timely manner to make any adjustments consistent with delivery of quality care.
• Communicates nursing interventions and responses to care to other members of the health care team.
• Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition. Follows KVH policy on medication administration to avoid med errors or interactions.
• Assists physicians/providers with procedures, and performs care and services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in a safe manner to reduce the likelihood of medical/health care errors, and is accountable for each specific patient assigned.
• Works collaboratively with other Home Health & Hospice staff, delegating tasks as appropriate with CNA staff, as well as supervising care as required by Medicare/Medicaid.
• Follows hospital policy when disposing of biohazardous materials, labeling and handling of all materials.
• Performs new nursing techniques or procedures after successful demonstration of competencies.
• Complies with all departmental policy and procedures, while upholding the high expectations of KVH.
• Attends a minimum of 75% of departmental staff meetings and 100% of mandatory in-services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.