Hospital Admissions

Promotes Community Hospice as the preferred provider of hospice care in our service area. Ability to “sell” the benefits of hospice care and resolve patient/family objections. Provides information about Community Hospice services and philosophy to patients, caregivers, physicians, LTC administrators and directors of nursing, and the community. Ability to implement Medicare Local Coverage Determination to assess patients for Hospice eligibility. Collects and communicates appropriate information to/from admission physician to determine hospice eligibility. Collects and communicates appropriate information from referring and consulting physicians to help determine hospice eligibility.

Performs a physical assessment, identifies immediate needs, to include spiritual, functional, psychosocial and financial needs. Applies appropriate nursing interventions and documents concisely in electronic medical record. Facilitates Admission to Community Hospice. Provides emotional support to patients and families/caregivers with compassion and empathy. Maintains the confidentiality of patients and families in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Assesses for patient risk and safety issues per Community Hospice policies. Develops patient’s initial plan of care based on identified immediate needs. Obtains and communicates physician orders for Medications, DME and special treatments to the care team and in the electronic medical record.

Demonstrates knowledge of medications appropriate for end of life care, side effects and adverse interactions. Assesses, communicates and obtains orders from Community Hospice physicians to ensure patient comfort. Arranges coordinates and supports needed change in level of patient care. Facilitates transfers from the Hospital to next level of care based on Medicare Conditions of Participation. Acts as the primary nurse designee while patient is physically in the hospital and communicates all changes as a member of the interdisciplinary care team including updating the patient’s plan of care. Complies with appropriate professional code of ethics in delivering services to patients and families.

Professional development of self towards resource for end of life care, with knowledge, understanding and ability to communicate Medicare Conditions of Participation, Local Coverage Determination, State of Florida Regulations and specific insurance benefits. Provides patients and/or family, Admissions Staff, and Community Partners consultation and information regarding Health Care Surrogate, Health Care Proxy and other Advance Directives. Evaluates team members (RNs, LPNs, PASS) to ensure policies, procedures are followed and gives feedback to managers. Responsible for education and mentoring of new staff members.

Builds, develops and maintains relationships with referring physicians, area social workers, discharge planners and community agency staff in order to network and facilitate admission and placement of patient. Educates medical community on what are hospice appropriate referrals. Educates medical community on the patient/family benefits of early referrals. Cultivates, develops and enhances existing relationships with physicians, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Assists in providing in-service programs or public relations activities. Participates in hospital committees, speaks at hospital end-of-life in services, coordinates staff education with Hospice Representatives and actively explores new opportunities for growth of patient referrals and admissions.

Represents Community Hospice professionally at all times through care and/or services provided to all clients. Complies with Community Hospice policies, procedures and standard practices. Uses resources in a fiscally responsible manner. Demonstrates awareness of and abides by universal precautions. Promotes Community Hospice through participation in community and professional organizations. Seeks opportunities to improve one’s own professional knowledge and skill level. All other duties as assigned.

Required Licenses/Certifications: Current licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Florida. Current CPR certification. Current State of Florida driver’s license with driving record acceptable to Community Hospice insurance carrier; reliable transportation. Level II AHCA (Agency for Healthcare Administration) Background Screening.

Education/Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would provide required skills and knowledge for successful performance would be acceptable. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to: Possession of a degree from a diploma nursing program and/or two (2) year program or Bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing. Minimum of two years’ experience in hospital or LTC setting required with ICU or ER experience a plus. Reliable transportation that allows employees to shift work locations when needed.

General Knowledge of:

• Hospice services, philosophy and admission procedures
• Advance Directives pursuant to State Regulations
• The Medicaid Application Process
• Community Resources
• Referral and placement protocols for Independent, Assisted and Long Term Care Facilities
• Pain and Symptom Management
• Principles of Customer Service

Skilled at:

• Written and verbal communication
• Communicating with empathy and compassion
• Guiding the family during the patient’s final hours
• Identifying the patient’s values, life goals, and preferences regarding dying
• Identifying psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and families and resources to meet those needs
• Coordination of care and ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team
• Cross-cultural sensitivity and cultural competence
• Information sharing, including the ability to break bad news skillfully
• Making sound clinical judgments
• Critical thinking, problem solving and prioritising
• Working autonomously with minimal supervision
• Being flexible and adaptable to change
• Assessment/Nursing skills and principles of Nursing practice