Nurse Manager - Hospice

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time Benefit Eligible

Work Shift

Day - 8 Hour or less Shift (United States of America)

Department

7310 Hospice

The purpose of this position is to provide 24/7 oversight of efficient operations to meet the holistic needs of the patients and families served. Demonstrates high-level leadership accountability in assuring staff competency, financial responsibility, and enhancing Kaweah Health's mission and vision to achieve strategic priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required:

CA RN license

BLS

Kaweah Health approved crisis intervention training within 60 days of hire/transfer.

Education
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Experience
Preferred: Clinical area expertise Supervisory experience

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Effective interpersonal skills, critical thinking and creative problem solving.

Department Specific Requirements
 

If assigned to Hospice: requires at least three to five years of clinical nursing experience providing palliative care or hospice services. Certified Hospice Palliative Nurse (CHPN) strongly preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential

Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of Joint Commission standards California's Nursing Practice Act Applicable sections of Title 22 and 17 Applicable Federal guidelines and regulations including HIPPA Policies and procedures for areas supervised National standards for areas supervised

Has 24-hour responsibility for the quality of care and performance improvement activities in area of supervision. Organizes patient care and service in areas supervised. In collaboration with the Director and in congruence with the Kaweah Health and unit plan for patient care, based on available staff and the needs of the patient. Demonstrates and utilizes expert knowledge and skills in the area(s) of practice. Assists staff with clinical assessment and decision-making. Responds to unexpected staff shortages by maximizing available resources and assisting staff in the prioritization of patient care needs. Understands the principles of utilization and case management. Ensures that patient care needs are met in a timely manner and that patient care is coordinated across the continuum of services and sites. Coordinates and participates in patient discharge and planning rounds. Demonstrates awareness of the needs and preferences of the medical care providers and provides excellent service. Monitors patients daily through rounds and feedback. Monitors patient care documentation to ensure the adequacy of patient information and compliance with regulatory standards. Uses the Statement of Concern process to report patient care issues. Uses patient satisfaction data to improve care and service. Knows and utilizes the Medical Staff and Kaweah Health chains-of-command. Assesses and documents the competency of each staff member hired for the areas supervised. Collaborates with the Educator on the orientation plan for new staff. Evaluates staff annually. Completes the performance appraisals within 30 days of the due date. Identifies performance or education issues through observation, monitoring patient care outcomes and processes, and promptly communicates concerns to the staff member/s. Uses research findings in the development of policies, procedures, and practice guidelines for patient/resident care. Shares research information with others. Assesses float staff and determines the minimal competencies for staff floated into areas supervised. Utilizes HR policies and procedures to ensure Kaweah Health employment standards are met.

Provides adequate staff resources for carrying out the unit plan of care: Demonstrates knowledge of patient classification tools and Title 22 requirements related to patient classification. Uses the patient classification tool to direct staffing. Holds staff accountable for knowledge of and use of patient classification. Responsible for preparing staff schedules that meet the needs of the patient population and average daily census. Interviews and hires new employees. Accountable for attraction and appreciation of staff. Contributes to staff development by assuring continuing education and in-services are available to staff.

Communicates effectively with key constituencies: Seeks and listens to feedback from key stakeholders: patients, physicians, staff, and other departments/units. Communicates effectively with other patient care leaders. Communicates and cooperates with other Nurse Managers, Bed Manager and Staffing Facilitators to ensure patient care and staffing resources are coordinated. Actively participates in assigned meetings and projects. Responds promptly to communication from others. Uses e-mail responsibly. Coordinates patient care and service between departments and disciplines.

Practice is guided by the Code for Nurses: Decisions and actions on behalf of patients/residents and staff are determined in an ethical manner. Maintains patient confidentiality within legal and regulatory parameters. Acts as a patient advocate and coaches/mentors staff in advocating for patients. Role models the delivery of patient care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that preserves patient autonomy, dignity, and rights.

Additional by Department:

HOSPICE:

Collaborates with the Director of Hospice Services to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality, cost-effective nursing, medical social work, chaplain, certified home health aide, therapy and volunteer services to hospice patients.

Knows and maintains current knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoP's) for hospice services and ensures that all hospice services are in keeping with regulatory requirements. Notifies the Director of Hospice Services immediately of any concerns regarding regulatory issues.

Collaborates with the Director of Hospice Services to actively review, create and modify Hospice policies and procedures to ensure they are in keeping with all regulatory and patient care standards.

Coordinates schedules for direct care providers and maintains staffing levels appropriate to meet patient needs.

Ensures that intake and on-call services are adequate to provide appropriate and timely response to patient, family and referral source needs/concerns.

Actively communicates with leadership staff in facilities with whom hospice has mutual patients to ensure that all facility standards are met and strong collaborative working relationships are developed and maintained.

Provides direct and active supervision to all nursing staff, ensuring that initial and ongoing competency is confirmed and documented, ongoing training needs are fully assessed and met and that performance issues are addressed immediately and in accordance with the Progressive Discipline Policy.

Direct responsibility for staff development and cross training of staff to ensure coverage during staff shortages.

Actively participates in the Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QAPI) process by attending monthly meetings, monitoring indicators and coordinating studies as needed.

Responsible for inventory management of patient medical supplies, ensuring PAR levels are maintained and supply policies are followed to maintain budget goals.

Collaborates with the Director of Hospice Services to develop and manage budget and monitor monthly performance related to budget/goals.

Develops and maintains a strong, positive working relationship with all physicians, hospital staff, referral sources and board members to ensure the highest level of customer service to hospice patients.

Participates on Administrator On-call duties as assigned for Hospice.

Additional:

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Pay Range

$59.92 -$89.88

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.