Patient Care Specialist

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by assuming a leadership role in managing the services provided in the clinical specialty, participating in staff development, serving as a resource to staff and coordinating the daily work of the interdisciplinary team. The Patient Care Specialist serves as the first line liasion to referral sources.   Job Duties Participates in the evaluation, development, review and/or revision of relevant standards of care and best practice guidelines. Demonstrates competent assessment, intervention and evaluation clinical skills, troubleshoots complex problems and complex patient situations. Participates in education of patients and their families using appropriate educational materials/plans per unit policy. Prepares patient care assignments Fosters interdisciplinary, collaborative relationships with internal and external customers. Accountable for ensuring institutional compliance with professional, regulatory and government standards of care. Coordinates or assists with development/revision of documentation and/or implementation and monitoring of changes in documentation. Department Specific Duties Provides education regarding patient centered, evidenced based end of life care to employees, volunteers, and the community Facilitates and nurtures relationships with community partners (i.e. facilities) and care providers Works in collaboration with interdisciplinary team to determine hospice eligibility, certification, re-certification, and to address symptom management  Coordinates admissions and the initial assignment of hospice personnel to patients and conversely works collaboratively with primary interdisiplinary team to coordinate the discharge of these services when necessary Engages in assisting and leading quality improvement projects, audits, and tracking quality measures Demonstrates critical thinking in assessing and managing interdisciplinary team and resources to effectively address end of life symptoms, orchestrating a holistic approach to hospice care Demonstrates and sets an example of accountability in time management, flexibility in scheduling and good organizational skills to meet the ever changing needs of hospice care Maintains professional boundaries while providing kind and compassionate support and education to employees, patients and families regarding end of life cares and needs. Demonstrates timely and effective collaboration with physician offices, hospice medical director and other members of the hospice interdisciplinary team to manage patient's symptoms and execute the plan of care Provides oversight, in coordination with the interdisiplinary team to effectively steward resources and services Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Sound background in basic nursing principles and procedures and demonstrated ability to provide safe and effective basic nursing care. Independent problem solving skills Solid critical thinking skills Previous experience in supporting and facilitating change Professional Experience Minimum three years in clinical specialty required. Previous supervisory experience preferred. Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing required. Licensure, Certification, Registration Currently licensed to practice as a registered nurse in Iowa Current valid driver's license, valid auto insurance, own transportation required Current Hospice and Palliative Nurse certification preferred. Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse/Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training required.  Employee must submit certification of completed training to Human Resources prior to start or transfer date.

Full Time