Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Bachelors or Masters degree in nursing (Bachelors of Nursing/Masters of Nursing) required

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current license to practice Nursing in the State of Texas required
• Current American Heart Association BLS/CPR license within 30 days of hire required
• Hospice and/or Palliative Care Certification is preferred

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Three (3) years of nursing experience required; clinical nursing care in supportive medicine/ palliative care and/or hospice is preferred
• Effective oral and written communication skills

Principal Accountabilities

• Collects information from all disciplines and data sources, including the family, to synthesize a holistic care plan based on the needs of the patient and family.
• Anticipates patient needs including:  Pain, symptom management, and psychosocial support.
• Works with patients and families to determine their understanding of the medical condition, its treatment, and medical/treatment options.
• Monitors the patient’s progress to provide for continuity in interventions over time and through systems, and modifies care plan as needed.
• Works with families to help them gain the knowledge they need in preparation for possible deterioration and/or death.
• Tracks data for all consulted patients and logs information into the required information systems documentation platforms.
• Assists with additional data collection as required.
• Facilitates formal and informal education activities to promote the Supportive Medicine program and to foster understanding and appreciation of palliative care competencies among physicians and nursing staff.
• Implements patient and family education in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.