Job Details

Empath Health is currently seeking a Senior Staff Nurse to join our team.

The Senior Staff Nurse provides support and leadership in coordinating team functions in collaboration with and support of the Care Navigation leadership team, including Quality Assessment Performance improvements, supervisory visits and other activities as appropriate.  The Senior Staff Nurse is an active, formal mentor and first line resource to the Nursing staff and a direct supervisor to the non-clinical colleagues within the department.  The Senior Staff Nurse utilizes assessment, intervention and teaching skills to maximize patient comfort and to enhance the quality of life to the patient/family unit.  The Senior Staff Nurse is responsible for identifying and coordinating patient/family needs and for guiding staff to provide preventative and supportive care to terminally ill patients/families.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist Access Manager or Empathway Director  with coordination of the Interdisciplinary weekly IDG meeting.
2. Collaborates with the Access Manager or Empathway Director  to provide assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of team goals and support of staff.
3. Provides oversight for staffing levels and skill mix evenings and weekends to ensure optimum patient care.  Supports nursing staff members for delivery of care as necessary.  Supports the coordination of care amongst IDT members and maintains communication with both internal and external partners in care. Provides coverage/assistance to team members as needed.
4. Monitor triaging and distribution of new referrals by working directly with the Care Navigation Manager always ensuring patient/family/community partner needs are optimally met.
5. Coordinate the Team responsibility of providing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week patient care.  Involves planning nursing back-up and on-call persons when necessary to ensure quality and continuity of patient/family care.
6. Develop Action Plans and processes to improve sub-optimal quality and identify gaps or opportunities to improve levels of service to customers, according to agency policies.
7. Recognizes, reinforces and enhances the role of all disciplines in the IDG by acting as a role model, mentor, instructor and first line nursing resource. Provides education to IDG members regarding nursing aspects of patient/family care.
8. When designated by the Access Manager or Empathway Director will determine accurate level of care, financial classifications, approval for financial responsibility and be able to articulate and anticipate financial implications for patients, families, community partners and the organization.
9. Demonstrate solid knowledge of the differences involved in Medicare, Medicaid, insurance benefits with all Empath Health programs.
10. Reviews and approves staff time sheets and patient care documentation as assigned.  Assures compliance with all organizational standards including productivity, timeliness and adherence to documentation guidelines. Periodic chart audits are utilized to ensure compliance to all organizational standards as well as State and Federal regulations.
11. Performs on-site supervisory visits of direct reports.  Collaborates with the Access Manager or Empathway Director  on screening, selecting, evaluating, coaching and corrective action of staff members as appropriate.
12. Coordinates use of support services on a routine basis ensuring the appropriate use of these services in cooperation with the IDT. (Includes PT, OT, Dietician, DME, Pharmacy Consult, and others).
13. Participates and leads in Quality Assessment Performance Improvement strategies and initiatives to assure quality of care and improved outcomes in cooperation with the Access Manager or Empathway Director .
14.  Serves as a team representative/liaison with other professionals including physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, resource agencies, and the medical community.
15. Represents Empath Health at community activities and provides formal and informal educational presentations as assigned.
16. Attends all mandatory training and educational meetings.  Serve as resource to team in follow up education and application of learning materials.
17. Supports the mission of Empath Health through formal and informal educational presentations and attendance. Seeks team/departmental participation in organizational initiatives for betterment of patient care/outcomes.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Education and/or Experience: Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Licensure:
  • Valid Florida license as a Registered Nurse
  • Valid Florida State Driver’s License
• Continuing education: As required for licensure
• Certifications: Valid CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Strong preference for at least one (1) year supervisory experience.
• Strong preference for minimum of two (2) years Hospice experience.
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Suncoast Solutions strongly preferred.
• For field-based positions, employees must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!