Hospice Admissions Registered Nurse

The Hospice Admissions Nurse reports to the Admissions Team Manager. The Hospice Admissions Nurse assesses patients in their place of residence or in hospitals and prepares the patient for entry into the spectrum of services provided by Gilchrist Hospice Care. The Hospice Admissions Nurse serves also as ambassador for Gilchrist Hospice Care within the service area.

Education:
Diploma, ADN and/or BSN from an accredited institution
Licensures/Certifications:
Current MD nursing license.
Experience:
Three years of nursing. Home Health or Hospice experience preferred but not required.
Skills:
• Knowledgeable of universal precautions for infection control and practices safe nursing standards for self protection
• Strong time management skills and the ability to function with a changing daily schedule.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to be patient and family focused and provide patient/caregiver education
• Skill in the use of EMR (Electronic Medical Record)

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Completes initial assessment of patient and family/caregivers to ascertain Hospice eligibility and needs - including physical, emotional, spiritual and mental status.
• Prepares and implements the initial care plan for patient/family unit with Medical Director approval.
• Provides direct nursing care to patients in order to maintain highest level of care.
• Inform Team Leader of utilization of other team members, outside agencies, and community resources upon initial assessment findings.
• Document clinical findings to assure initial hospice eligibility and participate in discharge planning when necessary working with relevant patient care, social services, and other departments.
• Teaches family members or hired caregivers, patient care skills, including: pain control, medication (RN titrates medication within prescribed range), injections, draws blood for labs, manages IV's, dressing changes, hygiene, nutrition, checking vital signs in accordance with orders from physician
• Ensures that arrangements for equipment necessary in the home setting are made available.
• Attends to patient and family at time of patient’s death if it occurs at the time of visit.
• Participates in Admissions department projects and process improvement strategies.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all possible Hospice referral sources in the service area. Meet with healthcare administrators representing Gilchrist Hospice Care within the community.
• Obtain necessary consents in accordance with applicable regulations & reimbursement policies.

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

·         Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy

·         Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

·         Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations

·         Actively pursues learning and self-development

·         Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

·         Sets a positive, professional example for others

·         Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them

·         Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties

·         Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

·         Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team

·         Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way