Hospice Admissions Nurse

Advocate Health•Libertyville, IL

13d•$38 - $57•Onsite

About The Position

The Hospice Admissions Nurse is a full-time registered nurse who evaluates patients for hospice admission and coordinates the admission process. The nurse completes assessments, discusses hospice services with patients and families, obtains informed consent, and works with physicians and the interdisciplinary team to confirm eligibility and develop individualized plans of care. The role coordinates hospice services, referrals, placement, medications, supplies, and home medical equipment. The nurse also supports care transitions through effective handoffs, provides hospice education to hospital and facility staff, and serves as a resource on hospice and palliative care services. The position serves Condell Medical Center and Lutheran General Hospital, floats between those locations, and works an evening schedule. There is one weekend rotation per month and one summer and one winter holiday per year; there are no on-call requirements.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices.
Associate's degree in nursing.
Typically 2 years of direct patient care experience.
Basic Life Support certification for Healthcare Providers issued by the American Heart Association; may be obtained within 6 months at department discretion.
Valid driver's license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Strong awareness and perception skills to assess patient needs and concerns and recognize changes in health condition.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong decision-making and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to work independently and make sound judgments.
Excellent prioritization and organizational skills.
Excellent documentation, computer, and time-management skills.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; use patient-handling equipment with at least one other associate, when available, for patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient cannot assist.
Ability to travel throughout the Advocate Aurora service area in varied weather and road conditions, and willingness to work occasional overtime if needed.
Ability to visit private residences, including residences that may not be accessible to people with disabilities.
Ability to work around frequent mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood, and body-fluid hazards and wear protective equipment as needed.
Ability to operate equipment necessary to perform the job.

Responsibilities

Complete patient history and physical assessments and evaluate appropriateness for hospice services and level of care.
Collaborate with the attending physician, medical director, and hospice interdisciplinary team regarding patient eligibility and care.
Explain hospice services to patients and families and obtain informed consent for hospice care.
Obtain and verify verbal certification of prognosis with the medical director and interdisciplinary team.
Review insurance and Medicare eligibility and benefits and document information supporting billing.
Assess patient and family readiness and understanding, involve them in care planning and implementation, seek consultation as needed, and initiate referrals to other disciplines.
Coordinate services and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to provide consistent care, communicate handoffs, and implement individualized, holistic, multidisciplinary plans of treatment.
Arrange and recommend equipment, medical supplies, and other necessary items and services.
Facilitate placement in a hospice-contracted facility when necessary.
Assess the need for and coordinate delivery of medications, supplies, and home medical equipment.
Promote collaboration among healthcare team members through effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution.
Develop and provide hospice education to inpatient hospital and facility staff as directed by the manager.
Serve as an expert resource to hospital and facility staff regarding hospice and palliative care services.