Acupuncturist

Job Summary 

The Hospice Acupuncturist provides care within a medically prescribed plan of care to assist in pain and symptom management and enhance quality of life for hospice patients.  The Acupuncturist works in conjunction with the hospice interdisciplinary team to provide nonpharmacological methods for pain and symptom relief in the hospice setting. 

Accountability 

• This position reports directly to the Director of Nursing 

Job Duties and Responsibilities 

General: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the agency’s mission, philosophy and scope of services. 
2. Demonstrates knowledge and respect of rights and responsibilities by observance of patient/participant: Privacy, confidentiality and safety, including reporting of patient/participant abuse or neglect. 
3. Foster and maintain an effective working relationship between co-workers, patients, families, caregivers, and other professional members of the community. 
4. Demonstrates reliability by: Making every attempt to report to work on time and providing proper notification for absence or tardiness. 
5. Demonstrates ability to problem-solve and make decisions by: Assessing situations and considering all possibilities to resolve the issues then correcting the problems presented in a reasonable amount of time. 
6. Seeks guidance and direction as needed, utilizing proper chain of command.
7. Demonstrates professionalism at all times by respectful interpersonal relationships with employees, patients, families, caregivers, referral sources, contractors, and community members. 
8. Demonstrates effective time management skills by: Coordinating activities to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency, willingness to adjust or revise work schedules as requested, seeking prior authorization for overtime, adhering to the policy for make-up time, completing assigned projects within specified time frames. 
9. Participates in Performance Improvement activities when requested. 
10. Works well independently and within the Interdisciplinary Team structure. 
11. Promotes a team approach through cooperation, mutual respect, flexibility and dependability. 
12. Ensures all regulatory standards for State, Federal and CHAP are met. 
13. Assumes responsibility for on-going personal development and continuing education. 
14. Completes monthly and annual trainings as assigned by the Governing Board, Director of Human Resources and/or Director of Nursing. 
15. Creates opportunities for new referrals and referral relationships when representing the company in the community. 
16. Supports the philosophy, objectives and mission of BeLoved Hospice. 
17. Stays current with all mandatory agency requirements. 
18. Attire to be consistent with the BeLoved Hospice dress code policy.

Specific to Position: 

1. Follows an individualized Plan of Care established by the interdisciplinary team for each patient.  
2. Immediately reports any changes to the RN Case Manager and interdisciplinary team.  
3. Reports unusual conditions, observations and pertinent information to the nurse.  
4. Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings 
5. Participates in Performance Improvement activities as requested.  
6. Provides intervention and support as needed related to terminal illness and loss within Scope of Practice. 
7. Performs assessments, evaluations and establishes a plan and goals for acupuncture and incorporates into the patient’s individualized plan of care. 
8. Chooses points to address symptoms and stimulate relaxation. 
9. Review patient’s conditions and medical history for applicable Chinese medical diagnosis. 
10. Recommends essential oils relative to patient’s plan of care. 
11. Administers excellent acupuncture care to patients as approved by the Chief Medical Officer or Hospice Physician and the interdisciplinary team. 
12. Performs massage therapy treatments as approved by the Chief Medical Officer or Hospice Physician and the interdisciplinary team. 
13. Directs and aids patients through interventions to assist with alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, isolation, agitation, restlessness, sleeplessness, pain, muscle tension, circulation, stiffness, limited mobility, relaxation, and comfort. 
14. Instructs patients, family, caregivers and the hospice team in the use and benefits of acupuncture for pain and symptom management. 
15. Documents the patient’s response to treatment in the patient’s electronic medical record. 
16. Provides emotional support and makes appropriate referrals to other team members 
17. Facilitates communication among patient, family and hospice team 
18. Other duties as assigned. 

Physical/Safety Requirements: 

1. Participates in emergency procedures, including disaster drills. 
2. Operation of equipment in a safe manner and shares responsibility for communicating safety violations or unsafe practices to management. 
3. Equipment Used: General office equipment (telephone, copy machine, computer, fax machine) and motor vehicles. 
4. Category 1 for potential exposure to blood/bodily fluids. 
5. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
6. Utilizes appropriate PPE, as needed. 
7. Follow the designated plan of action in the event of a fire or other emergency/disaster/ 
8. Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday. 
9. Must have the strength and endurance required for sitting for lengthy periods of time. 
10. Must possess sight/hearing/speech senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position are fully met. 
11. Use appropriate body mechanics as needed for personal use. 
12. Utilize appropriate basic office equipment. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. 

1. Must possess an active license to practice acupuncture in the State of Oregon 
2. Must possess board certification, in good standing by NCCAOM 
3. Must maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification 
4. Must be able to speak, read and write the English language.  
5. Must have reliable transportation and maintain auto insurance. 
6. Successful completion of background check pursuant to ORS 181A.195. 
7. Read, write and understand the English language. 
8. Must be able to handle frequent interruptions, problem solve, and have exceptional follow through skills.   
9. Must be able to cope with emotionally charged situations encompassing patients, families, caregivers, and team members. 

Benefits

• Group Health Plan Medical Coverage, Dental, and Vision
• Employee Assistance Program, Life & AD&D Insurance at no cost to you
• Supplemental health benefits such as hospital confinement, accident insurance, and more
• 401(k) with employer match
• Mileage reimbursement
• Education reimbursement opportunities 
• Eight Paid Holidays
• PTO accrual of 120 hours per year
• Free Gym Membership
• KATANA safety device and support 
• and more