Public Health Nursing Supervisor I

The primary purpose of the position is to assist the Hospice Director with the overall management of the Craven County Hospice program, implement policies, procedures and changes as necessary for the operation of the hospice program to maintain a quality agency which promotes the best care available for patients and their families facing end of life.

Coordination of Hospice Program

This position involves the dissemination of information, verification of appropriateness of nursing and aide services and all aspects of their care. All Hospice clinical personnel are oriented by this position using a structured plan. Once oriented, supervision consists of (1) assignment of duties; (2) assessment of staffs abilities to execute duties according to Hospice policies and procedures; (3) instruction of staff regarding their application of duties; and (4) identify deficient work areas of personnel and recommend and provide training/education sufficient for improvement. Position directly supervises all Hospice Public Health Nurse III (RN Case Managers) and Community Health Technician (CNA) positions. Responsible for the Hospice Quality Improvement Activities which consist of auditing Hospice records after each admission to ensure accuracy of admission, appropriateness of the diagnosis and to ensure complete compliance of the program. Responsible for auditing Hospice records quarterly for Utilization Review, pain and symptom management, stress management, continuity of care and patient family and satisfaction surveys and implementing actions plans to address any areas identified in trends within the satisfaction surveys that show need for improvement. Some of these activities will be shared with the QAPI RN.

Assessment

The PHN Supervisor I will evaluate and assess Hospice referrals to determine the appropriateness for service per CMS guidelines. This decision is based upon information received from the referral source, the hospital discharge planner, the primary care physician office, the Hospice Medical Director or other referral source. A plan of care is developed and is the result of careful team planning and will be inclusive not only for the patient needs but for family support. The Hospice Clinical Supervisor should be available to the hospice nurses as possessing expert knowledge of the terminally ill patient. The plan of care is monitored to determine that standards are met and is updated as necessary based on patient needs.

The PHN Supervisor I will coordinate with the Quality Nurse in facilitating IDG meeting and communicate with the interdisciplinary teams on a regularly scheduled basis; present the nursing aspect in Hospice staff development and serve as a resource person internally and externally.

The PHN Supervisor I will serve as a Hospice resource person for the volunteers with regard to the patients physical problems, terminal needs and emergencies; review volunteer written reports provide feedback for ongoing education and problem solving.

The PHN Supervisor I, with input from the Quality Nurse, will research and share pertinent current informational material for improved and scientific patient care management of the terminal patient.

Patient Care

Provide skilled nursing to patient as needed; guide other Hospice RNs to establish and maintain care to all hospice patients. Hospice Patients require frequent or continuous monitoring, assessment/observation and adjustment in treatment, medications and/or instructions for the family to provide good quality care. The attending physician usually refers the patient and approves of and continually supervises these services. The PHN Supervisor I is responsible for the total management of these patients by the nursing staff.

Coordinate establishing and maintaining a medical record on each patient, ensure care plans are written as required by the CMS intermediary, visits are recorded, Home Health Aide Supervisor visits are completed, and care is provided as needed. Aspects of this task to other Hospice staff may be delegated.

Ensure Hospice RN Care Managers provide specialized high quality nursing care, which includes initial and continuing assessment and evaluation of progress.

Training

Attend educational meetings to stay current with new trends and procedures including seminars, in-service and classes when available. 16 hours in-service education per year, maintain CPR certification, attend CCHD OSHA / Annual training and have tuberculosis skin test each year. Provide proof of BSN degree in nursing OR complete Public Health Nurse Orientation Training within the first year of date of hire.

Travel / Additional Support

Travel to and from patient homes and/or training events.

In the event of a disaster, may be required to assist as needed.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/or management.

Master's in Nursing and two years of Public Health nursing experience; or graduation from a four-year college or university with a B.S. in Nursing which includes a Public Health Nursing rotation and three years of Public Health nursing experience; or a Master's in Public Health and graduation from a school of professional nursing and two years of Public Health nursing experience; or graduation from a school of professional nursing and four years of professional nursing experience three of which must have been in Public Health; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Special Requirements

Currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of North Carolina.

Must possess a valid driver's license.

G.S. 153A-94.2(b) Subject to SBI criminal history record check prior to hire.

Must have flexibility of hours and be able to work on-call and/or respond during emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Considerable knowledge in nursing practice and theory.

Ability to make sound health related decisions based on acceptable nursing practice standards even in emergency situations.

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with physicians, patients and families of all socioeconomic levels.

Ability to work in highly stressful situations when providing terminal care is essential.

Ability to work independently, have good coping skills, and be highly motivated to provide good quality care.

Ability to plan, coordinate and evaluate the work of staff.

Ability to communicate tactfully with the public and other health professionals.

Attend educational meetings locally and statewide to stay abreast of current information and skills.

Maintain nursing licensure requirements, C