Job Description
Overview:
The Hospice Admission RN is responsible for delivering professional nursing care in alignment with the Covenant at Home Hospice program. This role includes conducting initial patient assessments and admissions for those referred to hospice care. The Hospice Admission Nurse ensures that patients and their families receive compassionate, timely, and accurate information regarding hospice services, while also completing all necessary documentation and coordinating care plans in full compliance with regulatory standards.
Demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment & Admission
� Coordinate admissions from initial referral to admission supporting the intake workflow.
� Determine eligibility for hospice services based on clinical criteria and regulatory guidelines.
� Perform comprehensive nursing assessments for patients referred to hospice.
� Explain hospice philosophy, services, and care options to patients and families.
� Identifies the physical and emotional needs of patients and family through observation and analysis of records.
� Represents Covenant at Home Hospice and Palliative Care.
Care Coordination/Patient Care
� Collaborate with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, and referral sources to ensure smooth transitions.
� Initiate individualized care plans and communicate with the hospice team for continuity ensuring positive handoff to case manager.
� Provides skilled nursing care and treatments as prescribed by the physician, working as part of the interdisciplinary team (IDT). Responsibilities include ensuring initial durable medical equipment (DME) arrangements, medication orders, wound care decisions, and other necessary actions are completed for start of care.
� Provides demonstration, instruction, and supervision to both the patient and caregiver regarding the care being administered.
� Initiates preventive, supportive, palliative, and rehabilitative nursing procedures appropriate for patients and safety.
� Assists in coordinating patient/family care with other members of the hospice team. Additionally, it facilitates the continuity of individualized care by planning and exchanging essential information within the agency and with other health and social agencies.
� Participates in bereavement follow-up as appropriate. Maintains records in accordance with agency requirements. Develops and implements the nursing care plan with input from the I.DT., patients and family. Participates as a team member regarding the patient/family�s plan of care.
� Observes, evaluates, records and reports to physician about the patient�s physical and emotional condition and reactions to medications and treatments.
� Delivering compassionate care with empathy and respect, focusing on the patient's unique needs.
� Critical thinking and clinical judgment.
� Cultural sensitivity and patient advocacy.
� Participates in patient care by completing visits, recertifications, and PRN visits as requested.
Documentation & Compliance
� Complete admission paperwork, consents, and electronic health record documentation accurately and promptly.
� Ensure compliance with Medicare, state, and organizational regulations.
� Completes HOPE assessment/follow up per regulatory standards.
Education & Support
� Provide emotional support and education to patients and families regarding end-of-life care.
� Serve as a resource for community partners and referral sources; providing in services/education sessions as required.
� Serves on agency committees as requested.
� Evaluates own performance and plans for professional growth.
� Participates in in-service education and other opportunities for learning and upgrading professional skills.
� Supervises activities of para-professional staff. Exercises independent judgement but utilizes supervisory help as necessary.
� Other duties as assigned. Qualifications:
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
� Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Michigan required.
� BLS Certification required.
� Two years� experience in nursing following graduation. Homecare, ICU, Emergency Care and Hospice experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
� Comprehensive knowledge and skill in current nursing practices. Knowledgeable regarding the hospice concept of care.
� Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of the dying and their families.
� Demonstrates the ability to recognize personal limitations when providing care for patients who are dying and seeks appropriate support or resources as needed.
� Able to work with the dying and their families in a constructive, therapeutic manner.
� Ability to be flexible to manage schedules, consultations and patient admissions while completing timely electronic documentation.
� A valid Michigan driver�s license, reliable transportation and valid proof of insurance are required.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
� Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
� Frequent standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.
� Frequent twisting, reaching, handling, use of hands, feeling, talking, and hearing.
� Frequent near vision, midrange vision, far vision, depth perception, visual accommodation, color vision, and field of vision.
� Frequent driving to provide patient care.
� Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
� Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
Job Tags
Full time, Relief, Local area, Flexible hours,