GWYN Team: This is an internal float position for San Diego Hospice and Institute for Palliative Medicine (SDHIPM).   GWYN stands for “Go Where You’re Needed”. The RN and other GWYN professionals, including Medical Social Workers, Spiritual Counselors, LVNs, and CHHAs all share in providing 24 /7 coverage to patients and their families.

The Registered Nurse, GWYN Team provides skilled nursing care to SDHIPM patients in accordance with the treatment and plan of care dictated by patient, family, physician, and members of the interdisciplinary team, while providing work direction to other team members.   The RN, GWYN will provide staffing support to Access Center , Homecare, Inpatient Care Center and CCC to cover intermittent visits, crisis care, admission, GIP visits, or assist with patient care in ICC or   CCC as needed.   RN, GWYN is expected to “Go Where You’re Needed” as a member of this team . Employee may be expected to learn and utilize a window compliant computer system dependent on the frequency of their work schedule, proficiency and appropriate utilization is a requirement of the job role.

Location:   The RN position is primarily field based, and requires the ability to cover patient visits anywhere in San Diego County.   All efforts are made to minimize travel when possible.   Non-commuting miles are reimbursed.

Shifts/Hours available: Weekdays and Weekend days.   Full time hours, typically three 12 hr shifts/week.  

About us:   San Diego Hospice utilizes a shared care patient care model staffing each team with professionals across several disciplines. Each professional on the team shares the case management responsibilities being the "Point Person of the Day" each week. This is a supportive atmosphere dedicated to education, with a staff of physicians available to provide additional support.   It is a busy, challenging role, but very rewarding.  SDHIPM promotes a team environment with open communication, and provides a variety of available resources for you to be successful in your role.

RN Responsibilities:

·        Clinical Assessment: Makes an assessment of the total physical, psychological and spiritual picture of the patient, family and home or inpatient environment. May be assigned to perform initial nursing assessment, which will include obtaining nursing history, consents, and performing appropriate interventions under physician orders. Requests additional orders to meet the patient’s needs based upon nursing evaluation.

·        Care Plan: Develops the plan of care in conjunction with the patient, family/caregiver, physician, and members of the interdisciplinary team and may determine appropriate level of care in terms of location and frequency of visits. Educates/counsels patient, family members/caregivers regarding the plan of care and utilization of internal and external resources.   Utilizes the nursing process in assessing, developing, and implementing the plan of care for the patient and family.

·        Clinical Interventions: Performs skilled nursing and palliative interventions, in accordance with the treatment and plan of care dictated by patient, family, physician, and members of the interdisciplinary team, while providing work direction to other team members and supervision of CHHAs and Homemakers.   Appropriately uses and is accountable for patient care supplies, and adheres to utilization policies.

·       Communication: Reports skilled observations and changes in patient condition to physician and/or appropriate interdisciplinary team member.   Communicates changes in plan of care to patient, family members/caregivers. Seeks out and utilizes resources within SDHIPM and the community to meet the needs of the patient and family/caregivers.  

·        Documentation: Accurately documents the patient’s status, following the current standards in nursing practice and the agency’s requirements. Utilizes the Clinical Information System for documentation and follows policies and guidelines as related to synchronization, accessing data, documentation and equipment/data use and protection.

·        Performance Improvement: Looks for opportunities to improve the quality of service provided by SDHIPM. Contributes to self and agency growth through participation in educational opportunities, professional organizations, and community programs. Maintains productivity standards as established by the Agency. Complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

·        Performs other related duties, tasks or responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Education: Must be a graduate of an approved school of professional nursing (ADN or BSN), who is currently licensed as a Registered Nurse by the State of California.   A Public Health Nurse credential is desirable.   Must possess a valid CPR certification.   Bilingual (Spanish) abilities highly desirable.

Experience: Requires a minimum of one year acute care or home health experience as a professional nurse. Good knowledge of home health care principles and practices within the scope of palliative medicine would be ideal, but is not required.  Oncology background is also helpful.   Familiarity with interpersonal dynamics operative within a health care team and knowledge of the dying and bereavement processes desirable.   Experience with electronic medical records/computerized charting is required. Current California Driver’s license and automobile insurance required. 

Additional Skills required to be successful:

·          Strong clinician skills

·          Positive attitude

·          Solution driven, creative and resourceful problem solving skills

·          Possess intermediate knowledge/ aptitude to operate a computer and electronic medical charting

·          Strong desire to work autonomously, but part of a highly interactive care team  

·          Should be able to prioritize and delegate comfortably  

·          Must be a strong patient and family advocate

·          Must be thorough and detail oriented

·          Use ethical principles in decision making and practice

·          Comfortable with and able to maintain professional boundaries

Additional Info : There is an in-depth orientation, both in house and in the field, as well as extensive hands-on training in the field.  SDHIPM is proud to promote a team environment based on trust, and a real focus on patient care.  This is a great opportunity to make a REAL difference in someone's life, and their loved one's. Please apply online to find out more!