Hospice Admissions Nurse (Part-time)

Goodwin Living•Alexandria, VA

About The Position

The Admission Nurse is responsible for the care of patients assigned by the Director of Hospice Admissions. The Registered Nurse performs admission assessments to identify patient needs and status and, under a physician’s nursing order, develops a Plan of Care to address those needs and support optimal functioning. The role presents hospice services and philosophy to patients and families, assesses hospice eligibility, obtains physician certification and consent, completes the admissions process, and ensures immediate care needs are met. The nurse provides direct hospice nursing care and completes admissions/start-of-care, recertification, evaluation, and discharge activities with timely documentation. The role collaborates with patients, families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members throughout each case; monitors and reports changes in patient condition; supports education and discharge planning; and follows agency policies for documentation, confidentiality, infection control, and safety. The schedule is weekdays from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and every other weekend. The position is part-time, with pay up to $49 per hour.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Licensed to work as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
At least one year of acute-care experience; hospice experience is preferred.
Current CPR card.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Ability to learn and perform documentation and start-of-care requirements, if not already familiar with them.
Ability to make independent decisions and work independently throughout the workday.
Valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and readily available reliable transportation.
Ability to deal tactfully and compassionately with patients, family members, and caregivers.
Willingness and ability to participate in a teamwork approach with all disciplines involved in patient care.

Nice To Haves

Hospice experience.
Knowledge of the duties and functions of Home Health and Hospice care and their relationship to the healthcare community.

Responsibilities

Present hospice services and philosophy of care to patients and families arranging end-of-life care.
Perform in-person assessments to determine hospice eligibility, obtain hospice physician certification, and secure consent for service.
Complete admissions and start-of-care processes, initiate the Plan of Care, and ensure immediate care needs are addressed.
Communicate goals of care, the initial Plan of Care, and patient and family expectations to the receiving interdisciplinary team.
Provide direct nursing care in a hospice setting under physician orders.
Complete admissions/start-of-care, recertifications, evaluations, discharges, and related documentation in a timely manner.
Perform detailed assessments and develop patient-specific Plans of Care; document in clinical records according to agency policy.
Coordinate with team members regarding the Plan of Care throughout each patient’s case.
Communicate with referring physicians and provide accurate treatment notes and other necessary documentation.
Document information about hospice care policies, agency philosophy, objectives, and long-range plans.
Begin discharge planning as soon as possible and inform and prepare the patient, team members, and physician.
Observe, record, and report changes in patients’ conditions promptly to physicians and other team members.
Recommend involvement of other services when appropriate.
Advise and consult with patients’ families about the patient’s therapy program.
Attend staff meetings at least four times per year.
Document communications with other personnel for patient case-conference notes.
Use equipment and supplies effectively and efficiently, and request supplies needed for patient care.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and, when applicable, coworker personal information.
Implement infection-control and safety measures as appropriate.
Address patient concerns and promote education for patients, family members, and caregivers.
Maintain current professional knowledge and attend mandatory in-services and required data-based training, maintaining 100% compliance.
Participate in orientation of Hospice/Home Health care staff members.
Immediately report abuse or suspected abuse to a supervisor and DHHS or APS.