Admissions Nurse

HOSPICE OF EL PASO, INC•El Paso, TX

About The Position

The Admissions Nurse coordinates timely hospice admissions for patients referred to Hospice El Paso, working with admissions staff, physicians’ offices, hospitals, nursing and assisted-living facilities, foster homes, and families. The role screens referrals for program appropriateness, gathers intake information and physicians’ start-of-care orders, evaluates potential patients against admission criteria, coordinates discharge planning and admission logistics, and completes admission documentation. The position operates under the supervision of the Director of Admissions and may perform after-hours admissions and triage duties when assigned. The Admissions Nurse provides patient and family education about hospice, symptom management, medications, and disease processes; coordinates with clinical and administrative staff; and communicates admission information to the Team Leader, Case Manager, Admissions Counselor, or on-call nurse. The role also supports outreach to hospitals and nursing facilities, follows up on referrals, participates in staff and community education activities, and performs other nursing duties as assigned. The nurse must comply with the Texas Nursing Practice Act, applicable laws and regulations, hospice policies, HIPAA requirements, and professional standards. The work takes place in a well-lit, ventilated area and throughout nursing service areas, with frequent interruptions and interactions with patients, families, clinicians, visitors, and government personnel. The role may involve emotionally distressed individuals, infectious materials, odors, falls, and equipment-related burn risks. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn when applicable.

Requirements

Valid nursing license in the State of Texas.
Two years of clinical experience.
Working knowledge of the nursing process.
Personal vehicle available for transportation during work hours and a personal phone.
Valid driver’s license and insurance as required by the State of Texas.
Ability to read, write, and speak English well enough to understand and communicate information needed to perform job duties safely and efficiently.
Physically fit and able to work in a variety of settings and locations during established operating hours.
Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
Ability to sit, bend, lift, and move intermittently during working hours and reposition up to 50 pounds.
Adequate sight and hearing, or prosthetics enabling these senses to function adequately for the position.

Nice To Haves

Background in oncology, discharge planning, care of terminal patients, or community health nursing.

Responsibilities

Respond promptly to inquiries about hospice care and receive hospice referrals, striving to complete admissions within three hours of referral.
Screen referral information for appropriateness and consult with admissions staff, the Director of Admissions, and the business office as needed.
Obtain intake information and physicians’ start-of-care orders, enter information into office systems as needed, and assist in obtaining equipment and supplies to begin care.
Maintain accurate tracking records and daily activity logs.
Review histories and physicals, complete clinical parameters, schedule pre-admission visits, and evaluate potential patients against admission criteria.
Coordinate with Hospice Source, admission counselors, social services, families, social workers, hospital staff, attending physicians, pharmacies, and discharge planners to facilitate admissions and discharge planning.
Clarify medications with the pharmacy and attending physician and review medications with patients and families.
Teach patients and families about symptom management and the disease process to help ease anxiety.
Perform admissions and submit completed admission paperwork to medical records within 24 hours.
Report completed admissions to the Team Leader and Case Manager and inform the Admissions Counselor or on-call nurse of admission times.
Maintain contact with the admissions office and Director of Admissions between admission activities.
Perform after-hours admissions as needed and follow up on pending or non-admit referrals as needed.
Visit hospitals and nursing homes to explain hospice services and admission criteria to professionals.
Assume triage duties when assigned and perform other nursing care-related duties as assigned.
Follow the Texas Nursing Practice Act, applicable laws and regulations, hospice policies and procedures, and professional nursing standards.
Maintain professional competence and growth, and provide evidence of continuing education if requested by the Board of Nurse Examiners.
Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude; demonstrate hospice values and adhere to the Hospice of El Paso mission statement.
Participate in orientation for employees, volunteers, and students as assigned.
Communicate effectively and cooperatively with patients, families, physicians, facility personnel, support staff, and all levels of hospice staff, using tact and sensitivity.
Comply with HIPAA minimum-necessary standards for protected health information.
Attend scheduled in-service education and on-the-job training, approved conferences and workshops, ethics and compliance training, and participate in community or civic health matters and projects.