Hospice Admission Nurse

Position Summary: The hospice admission nurse serves as the first point of contact in the patient's hospice journey. This role is responsible for the initial education of patients and families entering hospice care and plays a vital role in the understanding and acceptance of hospice services. The hospice admission nurse will conduct comprehensive assessments of patients, facilitating a smooth admission process, and providing compassionate coordination of care.

Reports to: Clinical Manager

Functions & Responsibilities:
• Make telephone contact and/or assessment visits with potential hospice patients to provide information on agency services and determine willingness to accept hospice services.
• Complete the initial assessment and evaluate patient's eligibility for hospice care.
• Collaborate and communicate with the Hospice physician(s) to determine patient's hospice qualifications, e.g. prognosis of 6 months or less, as well as obtaining any required physician orders.
• Admit patients, obtain informed consent(s) for service, inform patient/family of rights and responsibilities, develop the initial interdisciplinary plan of care and complete related documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Provide initial instructions to primary caregivers, volunteers and employed caregivers regarding the interdisciplinary plan of care.
• Address immediate concerns & administer treatment for symptom management while on site.
• Educate patients and caregivers on disease process and expected outcomes of decline in status.
• Teach family members or caregivers patient care skills, including pain control, medication administration, management of IV's, dressing changes, hygiene, nutrition, and checking vital signs in accordance with orders from physicians.
• Ensure that arrangements for necessary medication, supplies, and home equipment are made and that equipment is delivered. Teach family/ caregiver how to use equipment.
• Participate in IDG conference to ensure continuity of care.
• Manage patient/family care plan and accompanying services between time of admission and transition to Nurse Case Manage.
• Attend to patient and family at time of patient's death if it occurs at the time of visit.
• Performs other related duties of a similar nature and complexity as directed.
• Upholds the compliance objectives and policies and procedures of the Foundation and Subsidiaries.

Compensation based on experience $93,600 - $97,760 per year

Skills and Knowledge:

Education
• Graduate of Diploma or Associate degree program in nursing; BSN preferred
• Licensed to practice in Massachusetts.

Experience
• Minimum of one year in an acute care setting or comparable work experience required.
• Minimum of one year oncology and home care experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year Hospice experience preferred