Hospice Admissions Nurse

Compass Regional Hospice•Centreville, MD

About The Position

The Admissions Nurse works under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Services and the attending physician to provide skilled nursing assessment, planning, and care that maximize patient and family comfort and health. The role includes educating patients and families about the hospice benefit, enrolling patients in hospice services, identifying patient and family needs, communicating with the assigned case manager, and completing admission documentation in a timely manner. The Admissions Nurse may also function as a visiting nurse or case manager. The nurse provides care for pediatric and adult patients, coordinates with physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies, and contributes to care planning and team discussions. The position includes responding to patients and families during rotating on-call periods, including providing symptom management or emotional support, and supporting families at the time of death and during bereavement. This is a full-time, exempt position with a Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule. The position requires patient visits, physical nursing duties, clear communication in end-of-life situations, documentation using a computer and office equipment, and a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Requirements

RN degree in nursing from an accredited college or university.
Current license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the State of Maryland.
Skilled in nursing practice.
Ability to cope with family emotional stress.
Must complete Hospice and Palliative Care Certification (HPCC) within 24 months of hire.
Physical ability to perform job-related duties that may include lifting, standing, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, and assisting with activities of daily living without assistance from another health care worker or significant other.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with individuals and families in end-of-life situations.
Ability to hear and process directions and requests from doctors, employees, patients, and others.
Ability to use a computer and other office equipment to document patient information.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to drive to patient visits.

Nice To Haves

1–2 years of experience working in hospice.

Responsibilities

Educate patients and families about the hospice benefit, end-of-life care, and symptom management.
Coordinate care and use of resources by communicating with attending physicians, hospice staff, and other agencies as needed.
Enroll patients in hospice services in a timely manner.
Perform physical assessments and initiate plans of care for pediatric and adult patients.
Maintain regular communication with the Director of Clinical Services to review the daily schedule.
Collect information on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors affecting patient and family health and incorporate it into the plan of care.
Seek input from team members regarding patient care plans.
Meet with hospice nursing staff to review caseload issues, provide professional support, and exchange feedback.
Attend patient conferences and facilitate discussion, consultation, and evaluation of caseload issues.
Inform the Director of Clinical Services about unusual or potentially problematic patient and family issues.
Respond to patients and families of other hospice nurses during on-call periods or when requested by the Director of Clinical Services.
Provide support at the time of death and during bereavement.
Take responsibility for nursing practice, continuing education, and professional development.
Participate in Compass orientation and in-service training programs.
Participate in agency and community programs as requested.
Follow agency policies and procedures and applicable state and federal rules and regulations.
Maintain confidentiality of employee, patient/client, and agency information.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Benefits

Medical insurance (CareFirst); Compass pays 85% of employee coverage and 50% of spousal and dependent coverage.
Dental and vision insurance (CareFirst).
Life/AD&D insurance.
Voluntary short-term disability insurance.
Voluntary long-term disability insurance.
Accident insurance.
Will preparation services.
Employee Assistance Program.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
401(k) retirement plan with company match of up to 4%.
Discounted gym membership.
Seven paid holidays.
Five weeks of paid time off beginning the first year for eligible full-time staff working 32 or more hours per week.