Registered Nurse

Job Description Summary
As part of the innovative Hospital at Home (HAH) team, the HAH Patient Intake registered nurse (PI RN) is responsible for appropriately and efficiently identifying patients for the South Shore Health (SSH) HAH unit. The nurse will proactively screen patients, review all incoming referrals for appropriateness, and be the first face of the unit/program to patients and caregivers, while maintaining goals of unit/program growth and census. The HAH Patient Intake RN conducts clinical and social/safety assessments, in-person whenever possible, and closely collaborates with teammates at SSH and in the community to assure the patient receives care in most suitable location. Under the supervision of the HAH Nurse Manager, the HAH Patient Intake RN collaborates across the SSH system, especially with the emergency department, care progressions, and home care teams.
Job Description
 Patient Intake
Act the liaison between inpatient / emergency department and Care Connect Center Care Coordination staff and Hospital at Home (HAH).
Review patient information to identify possible patients based on basic eligibility criteria and plan of care.
Conduct eligibility screening of patients and facilitate appropriate linkage to HAH coordination. Obtain verbal agreement for further care by HAH, and document per policies and guidelines.
Participate in HAH pre-transfer huddles for review of possible patients, raise any concerns as an advocate for the patient, and assist with the coordination of necessary services.
Assist HAH Coordinator with placement of patients in appropriate unit/program
Able to report out on capacity and capabilities in real-time, to support census goals.
Be available for communication amongst care partners with ease via phone, email, TigerConnect, Epic messaging during working hours.
Nursing Triage
Respond to HAH patient calls/messages promptly and with compassion.
Triage patient calls and provide appropriate guidance per program/unit policies, procedures and guidelines.
Provide nursing support to HAH clinicians and directly to patients when needed.
Patient outreach in person and telephonically to support the patient’s plan of care.
Education/Teamwork
Participate in all HAH IDRs and team meetings, reporting on census and bed capacity
Support reinforcement of education regarding programs with all members of the SSH network
Work closely with leadership and training on program changes, updates.
Mentor and coach others on the team to eligibility and intake work.
Safety Awareness
Foster a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
Verify the patient using two unique identifiers.
Comply with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing, as observed by the nurse manager and peers.
Make appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times and adheres to universal precautions.
Understand and demonstrate individual roles and responsibilities in the event of hospital codes/emergency preparedness.
Participate in Collaborative Risk Reviews as requested.
Professional Development
Assume overall responsibility for professional development by incorporating evidenced-based practice, research, and performance improvement initiatives as a part of ongoing practice.
Maintain current knowledge/certification licensure and is able to produce evidence of continued education in the field.
Pursue professional development to continually develop nursing practice.
Practice within the legal boundaries of MA Nurse Practice Act. Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as assigned.
Display the ability to accept and respond appropriately to feedback and recommendations for change.
Demonstrate professional working relationships with colleagues from all disciplines to promote a positive/encouraging workplace.
Accountable for being informed and adopting changes in hospital/EMS policy and procedure.
Technology and Learning
Participate in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.
Embrace technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.
Able to navigate multiple technology platforms to support work; to include Epic Care Link, My Chart, MyChart Bedside, Arcadia, TigerConnect, WebEx, and Outlook.
Must have a smartphone mobile device available for business use which can support TigerConnect communications at all times during work day
Compliance
Work within legal, regulatory and ethical standards relevant to the position.
Comply with applicable policies and procedures.
Safeguard the privacy and security of patient information. The employee complies with policies and procedures relating to SSH’s privacy and security programs.
Bring potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP.
Comply with the mandatory education requirements of the compliance, privacy and security programs.
Patient and Family Centered Care
Convey respect for values, preferences, and expressed needs of the patient and family.
Consider the individual needs of each person with whom they interact, and interacts with sensitivity in the delivery of care/services of diverse populations as needed.
Effectively utilize resources to provide care/services- such as interpreter services and on-line sources.
Recognize the patient and family according to patient preferences, as important members of the health care team.
Collaborate with the patient and family according to patient preferences, in planning, implementing and evaluating care.
Welcome the presence and participation of family members at all times according to patient preferences, regardless of other events on the unit/program.

Patient Contact
Does this position have Patient contact? Yes
Age of Patient(s) - (check all that apply)
Adults 19 - 70 years; Geriatrics 70+ years

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education - Preferred
Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing as validated through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing , Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Minimum Work Experience
Must be experienced with coordinating services, applying criteria to determine eligibility and nursing triage.
Minimum of 2 years experience in acute or emergency settings, home care, working with patients in chronic/complex disease management a plus

Required Licenses / Registrations
RN – Registered Nurse license in the state of Massachusetts

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities
Prefer highly motivated, team-player, independent-worker, tech-savvy with Epic experience, energetic and experienced nurse. This individual should have skills in the following areas: customer service, communication, technical platforms and mobile applications, strong interpersonal skills and clinical triage.
General Activity - Frequent Standing/Walking Required, No Driving
Motion - Frequent Activity Required-pushing, pulling, lifting, bending
Motor Skills - Use of hands required, Use of feet required
Weight/Force - Light lifting required ()
Body Fluid Exposure - Yes