RN Hospice Admission

Job Summary The Hospice Admission RN is a licensed professional nurse who educates patients and their families about hospice services and the palliative approach to terminal care. The RN performs admissions for hospice patients opting to receive care at home, assisted living facilities, or skilled nursing facilities, including nursing assessment, eligibility determination, treatment, medication review, and initial plan of care development. Responsibilities Educate the patient and family regarding hospice care and services to support an informed decision for admission to hospice. Explain hospice admission criteria, philosophy of palliative care, and Medicare/Medicaid benefits or alternate reimbursement options. Clarify the patient’s financial responsibilities related to hospice care. Determine if the patient’s goals for care align with the hospice care model. Complete the admission process, including contacting the attending physician to obtain verbal certification and admission orders. Perform a head‑to‑toe assessment and record findings focusing on symptoms related to terminal illness and disease progression. Review existing medical records to identify comorbidities. Review the medication profile and evaluate effectiveness of medications for symptom management. Coordinate resources to support the physical needs and safety of patient care at home. Order required assistive devices and standard durable medical equipment based on assessment. Order an emergency medication kit per protocol. Educate family on contacting hospice providers and obtaining after‑hours care. With input from patient/family, develop an initial plan of care specific to individualized needs. Determine visit frequencies that best meet those needs. Introduce the interdisciplinary team and explain the roles of each member. Provide emotional support to patient and family during the transition to hospice care, including addressing anticipatory grief. Determine the patient’s advance directives and desired code status. Collaborate with team members on admission and the initial plan of care. Consult the hospice medical director regarding admission and the plan of care. Perform other duties as assigned. Comply with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and the code of conduct. Qualifications Education: Associate’s degree in Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (preferred). Licenses & Certifications: BLS or ARC-BLS or BLS‑I; RN (Single State) or RN‑Compact; GADL or VSDL; PVI (Private Vehicle Insurance). Required Minimum Experience: Minimum 2 years acute care experience and hospice experience (preferred). #J-18808-Ljbffr