The Lifecare Institute - Hospice Admissions Registered Nurse

GBMC HealthCare•Institute, WI

About The Position

The Hospice Admissions Nurse reports to the Admissions Team Manager. The nurse assesses patients in their homes or in hospitals and prepares them to enter the services provided by Gilchrist Hospice Care. The role also serves as an ambassador for Gilchrist Hospice Care within the service area. The position requires an accredited nursing diploma, ADN, and/or BSN; a current Maryland nursing license; and three years of nursing experience. Home Health or Hospice experience is preferred but not required. The nurse evaluates patients and their families or caregivers, determines hospice eligibility and needs, prepares and implements an initial care plan with Medical Director approval, and provides direct nursing care. The role includes educating caregivers, coordinating equipment and resources, documenting clinical findings, obtaining required consents, attending to patients and families at the time of death when applicable, participating in department improvement work, and maintaining relationships with community referral sources. All roles are expected to demonstrate GBMC Values: Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Ethical Behavior, and Results. The salary offer is based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, and alignment with organizational needs. GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers.

Requirements

Diploma, ADN, and/or BSN from an accredited institution.
Current Maryland nursing license.
Three years of nursing experience.
Knowledge of universal infection-control precautions and safe nursing practices for self-protection.
Strong time-management skills and ability to function with a changing daily schedule.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to focus on patients and families and provide patient and caregiver education.
Skill in using an electronic medical record (EMR).

Nice To Haves

Home Health or Hospice experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Complete initial assessments of patients and families or caregivers to determine hospice eligibility and assess physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental status.
Prepare and implement an initial care plan for the patient and family unit, with Medical Director approval.
Provide direct nursing care to maintain the highest level of care.
Inform the Team Leader about utilization of other team members, outside agencies, and community resources based on initial assessment findings.
Document clinical findings to establish initial hospice eligibility and participate in discharge planning as needed with relevant patient care, social services, and other departments.
Teach family members or hired caregivers patient-care skills, including pain control, medication use and titration within prescribed ranges, injections, blood draws for labs, IV management, dressing changes, hygiene, nutrition, and checking vital signs according to physician orders.
Ensure arrangements are made for equipment needed in the home setting.
Attend to the patient and family at the time of the patient's death if it occurs during a visit.
Participate in Admissions department projects and process-improvement strategies.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with potential Hospice referral sources in the service area.
Meet with healthcare administrators in the community as a representative of Gilchrist Hospice Care.
Obtain necessary consents in accordance with applicable regulations and reimbursement policies.
Demonstrate GBMC Values of Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Ethical Behavior, and Results.