Hospice of Kitsap County

Employment Opportunities

Hospice of Kitsap County, an independent nonprofit organization, has been serving our community for over 30 years. Annually we provide hospice care services to more than 750 patients and bereavement support to nearly 3500 community members. The Hospice of Kitsap County Fred Lowthian Care Center is Kitsap County's only inpatient facility dedicated to providing end-of-life care and support when it's needed most. At Hospice of Kitsap County, you'll be part of a privileged team of individuals who care for our patients with dignity, comfort and respect. When you become part of our team, you'll come to appreciate what it means to make a difference in the lives of your patients and their loved ones.

The following opportunities are currently available:

RN Case Manager - Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team and supervises other team members in the provision of care and adherence to the Hospice Plan of Care for assigned patients. The Case Manager is responsible for identifying patient/family needs, providing supportive care, determining appropriateness of care services, and coordinating agency referral services, performing all duties in accordance with the standards of Hospice Nursing Practice as established by the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, acting as supervisor of all staff providing physical and emotional care to patient and family ensuring adherence to the Hospice Plan of Care.
Serves as the primary nurse for an assigned caseload.
Provides professional nursing care to patients/families with emphasis on comfort, quality of life and self-determination. Provides supervision and orientation for the Hospice CNA.
Functions as an on-call nurse on an as-needed basis to assist agency staffing needs.
Accepts responsibility for maintaining and improving professional practice.
Able to adequately assess and reassess pain and other symptoms. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques including use of pain/symptom scales adopted by the organization. Educates patients and families regarding pain/symptom management.
Utilizes the nursing process in the care of patients and is able to identify scenarios in which the physician should be contacted. Able to develop a written plan of care for each patient.
Uses clinical judgment to provide skilled nursing care in accordance with Washington State Standards of Nursing and Scope of Practice.
Actively responds to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Offers ongoing support and palliative care as needed.
Assesses patient's condition, initiates plan of care, re-evaluates and updates as necessary.
Timely follows up on physician orders and notifies physician of any significant changes/results.
Performs patient care responsibilities according to patients' unique needs and that is age specific.
Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and patient's clinical condition.
Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient's needs dictate.
Initiates needed referrals to other disciplines and/or community resources.
Initiates case conferences to discuss issues such as multidisciplinary team responsibilities, changes in patients' condition, complex care requirements, psychosocial needs, and bereavement counseling.
Actively participates in QAPI initiatives as assigned.
Notifies Home Team Manager of patients who have complex needs and provides adequate nursing report to other team members including counseling services.
Notifies Home Team Manager of needed supplies and equipment to provide care.
Addresses and supports cultural practices, as long as such practices do not harm others.
Adheres to all organization, payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
Participates in the organization's other mandated activities such as in-services and staff meetings.
Maintains a current Washington State RN license, CPR certification and any other certification required by the organization.
Knowledgeable of current federal, state and organization regulations concerning patient care.

Qualifications:

Current Washington RN License and current CPR certification
2 years nursing experience, including long-term care and hospice experience preferred.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills required
Valid WA State Driver License and reliable, insured transportation
Satisfactory criminal background investigation and driving record

Admissions Nurse (RN) - Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, identify patient and family needs and provide supportive care and appropriate care services in accordance with the attending physician's orders and the Hospice Plan of Care. Perform all duties in accordance with the standards of Hospice Nursing Practice as established by the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.
Provide professional nursing care to patients and families with emphasis on comfort, quality of life and self-determination.
Accept responsibility for maintaining and improving professional practice.
Maintain working knowledge of and ensure compliance with all applicable agency policies and all applicable federal, state and local regulations.
Accept responsibility for maintaining and improving professional development, including completion of required continuing education and other requirements of professional licensure, as applicable.
Attend nursing meetings, in-services and staff meetings as required.
Responsible for determining hospice eligibility; assessment of patient and family physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs; patient symptom management and level of care needs; and end-of-life education to patient, family and facility staff. The incumbent serves as an advocate for patients and families, actively participating in the interdisciplinary team to meet patient care needs, and assists in facilitating best practices for provision of end-of-life care.
Maintains ongoing communication with patient's physician, referral center, outside care providers and hospice team members. Advocates for patients and families to ensure care is patient-focused and meets standards of hospice nursing practice as established by the Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Nurses.
Participates in facility reports and case conferences when applicable, communicates pertinent information to hospice team and referral center.
Reviews medical and psychosocial information to determine hospice eligibility and health care needs, completes documentation of pertinent patient and family teaching and communication. Assesses patient and family learning readiness and provides appropriate education.
Performs and documents a comprehensive nursing assessment on newly admitted patients, completes admissions reports. Reviews patient information in the admission packet with the family and obtains necessary signatures.
In addition to the above, any other responsibilities appropriate to the position and not specifically listed in the job description.

Qualifications:

Current Washington State RN License and Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Demonstrated ability to respond to the needs of patients and families in varied settings, especially those in hospice or palliative care.
Demonstrated skill in nursing practice to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles.
Valid WA State Driver's License; reliable, insured transportation and acceptable driving record and criminal background investigation

Care Center RN - The Care Center RN is responsible for planning, coordinating, providing and documenting care for terminally ill patients who reside in the Fred Lowthian Care Center from admission to discharge. Utilizing physicians' orders and professional skills, the RN develops and implements a hospice plan of care that meets each patient's specific needs and is in compliance with federal and state regulations, reimbursement guidelines, as well as the organization's policies and procedures. The RN also functions as a patient/family advocate, actively participates in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings, and supervises the care delegated to the nursing assistant.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Performs physical and psychosocial assessment on all hospice Fred Lowthian Care Center patients
Able to adequately assess and reassess pain and other symptoms. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques including use of pain/symptom scales adopted by the organization. Educates patients and families regarding pain/symptom management.
Utilizes the nursing process in the care of patients and is able to identify scenarios in which the physician should be contacted.
Able to develop a written plan of care for each patient.
Uses clinical judgment to provide skilled nursing care in accordance with Washington State Standards of Nursing and Scope of Practice.
Actively responds to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of terminally ill patients and their families. Offers ongoing support and palliative care as needed.
Assesses patient's condition, initiates plan of care, re-evaluates and updates as necessary.
Timely follows up on physician orders and notifies physician of any significant changes/results.
Performs patient care responsibilities according to patients' unique needs and that is age specific.
Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and patient's clinical condition.
Follows the six (6) medication rights to reduce the potential for medication errors.
Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient's needs dictate.
Initiates needed referrals to other disciplines and/or community resources.
Supervises Hospice Aides daily and every fourteen days per CMS guidelines.
Initiates case conferences to discuss issues such as multidisciplinary team responsibilities, changes in patients' condition, complex care requirements, psychosocial needs, and bereavement counseling.
Actively participates in the Fred Lowthian Care Centers' QAPI initiatives as assigned.
Notifies Fred Lowthian Care Center Manager of patients who have complex needs and provides adequate nursing report to other team members including counseling services.
Notifies Fred Lowthian Care Center Manager of needed supplies and equipment to provide care.
Addresses and supports cultural practices, as long as such practices do not harm others.
Adheres to all organization, payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
Completion of CHPN certification within 1 year of hire and maintenance thereafter.

Minimum Qualifications:

Current Washington State RN License and Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Hospice and Palliative Care certification (CHPN) preferred.
2 years applicable experience required (Hospice experience preferred).
Valid WA State Driver's License and reliable, insured transportation
Satisfactory background investigation

Registered Nurse - After Hours Coverage (full time Monday-Friday 4:30pm-8:00am, or part time {Saturday/Sunday} available)

This position provides skilled nursing, intervention, and supportive care for hospice patients/families in accordance with the Hospice Plan of Care for each patient after hours, on holidays and weekends as scheduled.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Assume responsibility for evening After-Hours Coverage, including telephone availability.
Assume primary responsibility for total care census including assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating phases of the nursing process and implementation of the plan of care.
Initiate communication with attending physicians, IDT (Interdisciplinary Team) members and other resources to report changes and coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
Maintain on-call book and update PRN.
Maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
Attend weekly IDG meetings to exchange patient information.
Monitor care of the patient by instructing primary caregivers, volunteers, and employed caregivers appropriately.
Respond to medical or emotional crisis and/or death of patient and make home visit to provide direct care as appropriate.
Provide appropriate counsel at time of death and make phone calls to physician, coroner, funeral home, on-call and administrative voice mail and answering service.
Demonstrate familiarity wit policies of the agency and rules and regulations of community, state and federal bodies, which related to the delivery of hospice services.
Document all calls and interventions on appropriate chart forms.
Report all status changes and interventions to appropriate staff via voice mail or direct contact.
Keep answering service, and nurse on Administrative Call informed of any problems with pager, always providing direct pager number and landline or cell phone access number

Qualifications:

Current Washington State RN License and CPR certification.
Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPN) certification preferred.
Currently employed by Hospice of Kitsap County
Valid WA state Drivers License, insured, reliable transportation, acceptable driving record and background investigation required.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Home Team

This position is responsible as a member of a multidisciplinary Group (IDG) for providing quality practical nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Physician. The incumbent will perform care within the scope of licensed practice, carry out routine aspects of the nursing regimen as outlined by the patient's Plan of Care, participate in patient care planning, assist with or perform therapeutic procedures, report and document observations of patients, and assist in maintaining an optimum physical and emotional environment for assigned patients.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Provides nursing care within the scope of licensed practice and attend to the general care of patients, providing for their physical and emotional comfort and safety. Maintains a comfortable, clean and clutter-free environment; gives assistance and guidance to patients, family and CNAs on subjects such as cleanliness, grooming, rest, activities and nourishment.
Assists or performs routine therapeutic procedures including but not limited to: irrigation of wounds, changing of dressings, urinary catheterization, taking and monitoring vital signs, intake and output and monitoring blood glucose. Gives medications by mouth, intramuscularly and subcutaneously. Initiates and monitors the administration of intravenous solutions designed for hydration for proper timing, flow, and replacement. Performs or assists in patient hygiene, giving showers, bed baths, AM/PM care, post-mortem care and oral care. Obtains directly, or makes arrangements to obtain a variety of medical specimens as ordered.
Observes, reports and documents general and specific physical and behavioral signs and symptoms indicative of change in patient's condition, recognizes the implications of change, takes appropriate action and reports to the RN.
Supervises Cans to ensure that all care is patient focused, safe, effective, meets standards of care and reflects the patient's current needs and the Plan of Care.
Assesses patient and family learning readiness and provides appropriate education according to the patient's Plan of Care. Reinforces patient/family education originally given by provider or RN. Assists patients toward self-care with activities of daily living when safe and practical.
Reviews patient information in the admission packet with the patient and family. Collaborates and assists members of the multidisciplinary team in collecting data for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of patients. Provides input in the development and updating of multidisciplinary care plans.
Uses standard precautions including protective equipment for anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Maintains an organized and safe work and patient environment and encourages all care giving staff to observe universal precautions.
Adheres to all policies and procedures regarding patient care, risk management, safety, fire, security and conduct.
Monitors equipment while in use; identifies malfunctions and reports to appropriate staff in accordance with established procedures.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives and activities as requested.
Performs similar and incidental duties as required.

Qualifications:

A current license to practice as a LPN in the State of Washington. Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program or equivalent recognized military training; current CPR certification; Hospice and Palliative Care (CRNH) is encouraged.
Two years of experience as a LPN within the last five years in an acute or subacute (i.e., nursing home) setting such as oncology, med/surg, gerontology, home health or hospice preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of practical nursing standards, procedures, equipment, supplies for the purpose of providing practical nursing care to assigned patients and skill sufficient to assess deviations from normal conditions.
Knowledge of standard medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and pathology and sufficient skill to communicate with patients/family and members of the multidisciplinary group.
Knowledge of pharmacology and skill sufficient to assure proper administration of oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications, their desired action, dosage and adversities.
Ability to understand and accurately execute the provisions of policies and procedures and the instructions of physicians and RNs.
Ability to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, other staff and caregivers.
Skills in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to document appropriately, completely and accurately in patient record using appropriate grammar, punctuation and abbreviations.
A valid Washington State driver's license, a yearly driving abstract that meets agency standards, a reliable automobile, current auto insurance and a clear background report that meets agency standards.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Fred Lowthian Care Center - This position provides quality practical nursing care under the direction of a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner or Physician, performs care within the scope of licensed practice, carries out routine aspects of the nursing regimen as outlined by the Patient's Plan of Care, participates in patient care planning, assists with or performs therapeutic procedures, reports and documents observations of patients, and assists in maintaining an optimum physical and emotional environment for assigned patients.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Provides nursing care within the scope of licensed practice and attends to the general care of patients, providing for their physical and emotional comfort and safety. Maintains a comfortable, clean and clutter-free environment; gives assistance and guidance to patients, families and CNAs on subjects such as cleanliness, grooming, rest, activities and nourishment.
Assists or performs routine therapeutic procedures including but not limited to: irrigation of wounds, changing of dressings, urinary catheterization, taking and monitoring vital signs, intake and output and monitoring blood glucose. Gives medications by mouth, intramuscularly and subcutaneously. Initiates and monitors the administration of intravenous solutions designed for hydration for proper timing, flow, and replacement. Performs or assists in patient hygiene, giving showers, bed baths, AM/PM care, post-mortem care and oral care. Obtains directly, or makes arrangements to obtain a variety of medical specimens as ordered.
Observes, reports and documents general and specific physical and behavioral signs and symptoms indicative of change in patient's condition, recognizes the implications of change, takes appropriate action and reports to the RN.
Supervises CNAs to ensure that all care is patient focused, safe, effective, meets standards of care and reflects the patient's current needs and the Plan of Care.
Assesses patient and family learning readiness and provides appropriate education according to the patient's Plan of Care. Reinforces patient/family education originally given by provider or RN. Assists patients toward self-care with activities of daily living when safe and practical.
Reviews patient information in the admission packet with the patient and family. Collaborates and assists members of the multidisciplinary team in collecting data for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of patients. Provides input in the development and updating of multidisciplinary care plans.
Uses standard precautions including protective equipment for anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Maintains an organized and safe work and patient environment and encourages all care giving staff to observe universal precautions.
Adheres to all policies and procedures regarding patient care, risk management, safety, fire, security and conduct.
Monitors equipment while in use; identifies malfunctions and reports to appropriate staff in accordance with established procedures.
Agrees to be trained in the proper procedures of food handling. Will assist CNAs with heating and serving prepared meals to patients; assisting when necessary in feeding patients and cleaning after food preparation when kitchen staff is not on duty.
Agrees to be trained in the proper procedures of cleaning and performs routine cleaning tasks when the janitorial staff is not on duty. Will assist CNA's in cleaning patient rooms when a patient is discharged and prepare a room for a patient admission when janitorial staff is not on duty.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives and activities as requested.
Performs similar and incidental duties as required.

Qualifications:

Current licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Washington with current CPR certification. Hospice and Palliative Care (CRNH) certification preferred.
Two years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse within the last five years in an acute or subacute (i.e., nursing home) setting such as oncology, med/surg, gerontology, home health or hospice preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of practical nursing standards, procedures, equipment, supplies for the purpose of providing practical nursing care to assigned patients and skill sufficient to assess deviations from normal conditions.
Knowledge of standard medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and pathology and sufficient skill to communicate with patients/family and members of the multidisciplinary group.
Knowledge of pharmacology and skill sufficient to assure proper administration of oral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular medications, their desired action, dosage and adversities.
Ability to understand and accurately execute the provisions of policies and procedures and the instructions of physicians and RNs.
Ability to cope with family emotional stress and tolerance of individual lifestyles. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, physicians, other staff and caregivers.
Skills in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to document appropriately, completely and accurately in patient record using appropriate grammar, punctuation and abbreviations.
A valid Washington State driver's license, a yearly driving abstract that meets agency standards, a reliable automobile, current auto insurance and a clear background report that meets agency standards.

Nursing Assistant - In-Home Services Team - Under the direction of a RN, provide personal care services according to Hospice of Kitsap County policies and procedures and as part of the Interdisciplinary Team Plan of Care.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Under the direction and ongoing supervision of the Registered Nurse, provides essential personal care assistance to the patient, including bathing, toileting, transferring, and meal assistance.
Provides emotional support and compassionate care to the patient and family unit, utilizing good listening skills; appropriate and encouraging communication, patience and cultural sensitivity.
Participates as a member of the Care Team and Agency Interdisciplinary Group.
Maintains required competency and certification.

Qualifications:

Current WA State Certified Nursing Assistant
Experience as Home Health Aide and/or Hospice experience preferred
Valid WA State Driver License and reliable, insured transportation and a yearly driving record that meets agency standards.
Solid communication skills and computer literacy.

Nursing Assistant - The hospice nursing assistant performs duties which are essentially focused on the provision of personal care which includes assistance with dietary intake for patients residing in the Fred Lowthian Care Center. The goal of the nursing assistant is to carry out those duties delegated by and under the supervision of the hospice nurse that will ensure that patients achieve the highest level of physical and psychosocial comfort via excellent personal and environmental hygiene, safety of surroundings, and safety of ambulation, repositioning. Key to accomplishing these goals is collaborating as an active member of the Interdisciplinary Group and with patients and families in a supportive, customer focused manner.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Works under direct supervision of the nurse to perform duties delegated within the scope of practice for the nursing assistant.
Provides personal care assistance to patient including, but not limited to hygiene care, ambulation, positioning, light meal preparation and feeding as required.
Complete documentation of care and services provided in a timely manner using the electronic medical record.
Adheres to the principles of infection control based on regulatory and organizational guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to use of personal protective equipment for anticipated contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials and appropriate hand washing techniques.
Provides and maintains a safe, clean, clutter-free environment for patients, family visitors and employees.
Adheres to HIPAA guidelines in maintaining patient confidentiality.
Attends Interdisciplinary team meetings as appropriate.
Attends monthly staff meetings as required.
Maintains competency skills to ensure continued certification as a CNA as required.
Maintains a current Washington State Food Handler's permit and performs light meal preparation duties as required for patient comfort.
Participates in facility emergency management tests e.g., fire safety, as required.
Demonstrates consistent patient-focused excellent care for all patients assigned and unassigned.
Demonstrates strong team work in daily activities.
Able to work independently but seeks assistance and/or clarification if needed
Avoids performing duties that do not fall within the nursing assistant scope of practice.
Demonstrates a respectful caring attitude to patients, families and co-workers.
Able to complete delegated data collection such as vital signs, intake and output and daily skin checks.
Keeps CPR and TB testing current
Participates in creating a clean, home like environment for patients by performing janitorial tasks if appropriate staff is not available and/or cleaning needs are identified and assigned. Follows facility cleaning procedures as instructed by janitorial staff.
Performs terminal patient ADL functions post death.
Assists families and other staff to clean room after a patient dies.
Observes all facility rules and regulations. Seeks clarification as needed.
Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Certification as a Nursing Assistant by the State of Washington
High School diploma or equivalent required
Minimum one year direct patient care experienced required; hospice experience preferred.
Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Proficiency in simple computer functions preferred.
Valid Washington State drivers' license and/or reliable transportation required.

Certified Music Therapist/Therapeutic Musician - The Clinical Music Therapist/Certified Therapeutic Musician is responsible for development, implementation, and maintenance of the Hospice of Kitsap County Music Therapy Program. The purpose of this program is to utilize healing music to address the physical, mental, emotional, and psychosocial needs of HKC patients. This entails providing music therapy/therapeutic music to our patient population, as well as oversight of therapeutic musician volunteers.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Provide music services to HKC patients in private homes, facilities, and at the Fred Lowthian Care Center.
Ensure availability to all HKC patients with music requests.
Collaboration with all members of the interdisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, CNAs, social workers, volunteers and other support staff.
Recruitment, training, and supervision of therapeutic musician volunteers.
Development of staff in-services related to utilization and benefits of music therapy/therapeutic music.
Other duties may include collaboration with the Complementary Therapy Coordinator to coordinate other complementary therapies such as art therapy, pet therapy, or aromatherapy.

Qualifications:

Demonstrates a deep commitment to the needs of the dying and people who love them.
Appreciation of and commitment to the mission, values and goals of HKC.
Completion of a music therapy undergraduate program or therapeutic music program; with certification and title of Certified Music Therapist, Certified Music Practitioner, Certified Harp Practitioner, Certified Therapeutic Musician or other comparable credentials.
At least 1 year working experience as a clinical music therapist/therapeutic musician. Experience with hospice patients a plus.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills, strong problem solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills; able to interact effectively with staff, patients and families, and diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal appropriately with sensitive matters.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage competing priorities.
High level of productivity, initiative, creativity and sound.

HKC offers competitive salary (DOE), generous PTO benefits,and a comprehensive employee benefit package including a 403B retirement plan. Must have reliable transportation and an acceptable background check. If you are interested in any of the above positions, please e-mail resumes/inquiries to application@hospicekc.or g, or fax to (360) 692-1893.