Hospice Inpatient Unit RN - Weekends - Birmingham, AL - Full-time / Part-time

There's an energy and excitement here, a shared mission to improve the lives of others as well as our own. Nursing here isn't for everybody. Instead of seeing a handful of patients each day, your work may affect millions for years to come. Ready for a new path? Start doing your life's best work.(sm)

Our Hospice Inpatient RN team provides direct nursing care to patients residing in the hospice inpatient unit during his/her assigned shift. The Hospice Inpatient RN provides initial and ongoing nursing assessment of the patient / family needs and coordination of the patient's plan of care with interdisciplinary team.

Please note: Our inpatient unit is located in Birmingham, AL. We are currently hiring FT RNs for a weekend shift. The shifts available are Friday-Sunday 7 am - 7 pm or 7 pm - 7 am. The position is 3 days per week, 12 hour shifts.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides initial and ongoing assessments of the impact of the terminal diagnosis on the patient's physical, functional, psychosocial and environmental needs and activities of daily living, i.e., risk of pathological grief; cultural and spiritual implications; verbal and non-verbal communication patterns


• Applies specific criteria for admission and re-certification to hospice care to establish appropriate levels of care and the patient's eligibility


• Provides direct nursing care during assigned shift. Implements the individualized plan of care and recommends revisions to the plan as necessary, i.e., managing discomfort and providing symptom relief; supplying specialized nursing skills related to palliative and end-of-life care


• Administers medications and other treatments in accordance with the physicians ' orders, generally accepted standards of practice, and any federal and state laws pertaining to medication administration
  Supervises LPN and Hospice Aide staff during assigned shift and insures appropriate nursing coverage to meet the patient's 24 hour nursing and care needs


• Acts in the absence of the Clinical Services Manager if so designated


• Responsible for ensuring that medications, supplies and biologicals are available for patients as ordered and needed for each shift


• Participates in narcotic count each shift with another licensed nurse


• Responsible for insuring the safety of patients and families assigned to him/her


• Consults and educates the patient/family and other caregivers regarding: the disease process; pain and symptom management; self-care techniques; end of life care; and processes for dealing with issues of ethical concern


• Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures


• Provides specialized hospice training to other staff, family members and informal caregivers to ensure safe care

Required Qualifications:

• Active and unrestricted RN license in the state of the Hospice


• Knowledge of clinical manifestations of diseases and ability to develop hospice specific clinical knowledge


• 3+ years of hand-on clinical experience


• 1+ years of hospice experience within the last 3 years, and/or 1+ years of clinical experience in hospital, home health and/or community setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSN


• Complex wound care experience


• Certification in infusion therapy


• Hospice & Palliative Care Nursing certification


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Proficient computer skills and Electronic Medical Record experience

OptumHealth is part of the family of companies that make UnitedHealth Group one of the leaders across most major segments of the US health care system. OptumHealth helps nearly 60 million Americans live their lives to the fullest by educating them about their symptoms, conditions and treatments; helping them to navigate the system, finance their health care needs and stay on track with their health goals. No other business touches so many lives in such a positive way. And we do it all with every action focused on our shared values of Integrity, Compassion, Relationships, Innovation & Performance. At OptumHealth, you will perform within an innovative culture that's focused on transformational change in the health care system. You will leverage your skills across a diverse and multi-faceted business. And you will make contributions that will have an impact that's greater than you've ever imagined.

UnitedHealth Group is working to create the health care system of tomorrow. Already Fortune 14, we are totally focused on innovation and change. We work a little harder. We aim a little higher. We expect more from ourselves and each other. And at the end of the day, we're doing a lot of good. Through our family of businesses and a lot of inspired individuals, we're building a high-performance health care system that works better for more people in more ways than ever. Now we're looking to reinforce our team with people who are decisive, brilliant - and built for speed. Come to UnitedHealth Group, and share your ideas and your passion for doing more. We have roles that will fit your skills and knowledge. We have diverse opportunities that will fit your dreams.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Job Keywords: RN, nurse, hospice, inpatient, hospital, home care, Birmingham, AL, Alabama