RN Admissions

Hospice of San Joaquin is the oldest not-for-profit hospice of 40 years. We serve all of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. We are committed to continuing to be the leader in ensuring the quality of the journey, from a serious illness to the end of life, and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do. We are seeking a Dynamic skilled, self-motivated RN - Admissions who thrives in a fast-paced environment and to support our mission. This is a Full-Time position, 

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY: Hospice Admission Nurse evaluates the appropriateness of patients using Medicare requirements for Hospice benefits. May be required to explain legal consents for patient/family and obtain all required consents. Teaches patient and family how to access hospice nurse 24/7. Instructs in proper use of prescribed medications. Discusses End of Life Care and identifies patient’s needs. Collaborates with physician, pharmacist, DME contractor and administrative staff as required.

1. Evaluate patients for appropriateness for Hospice Medicare Benefit.

2. Provide skilled nursing assessment/delivery of direct care.

3. Work with IDT to develop plan of care.

4. Provide direction for social services, home health aides, and all contracted clinical care providers.

CLINICAL SERVICES: Ensures that patients/families receive quality palliative and supportive care in the home setting, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living home. When necessary, coordinates care from hospital, skilled nursing facility, or assisted living home to home or another care setting.

1. Using clinical assessment skills, completes the initial nursing assessment; identifies the physical, practical, physiological needs of the patient. Assess patients within regulatory requirements. Perform admission visits and follow up visits in a thorough and complete manner.

2. Works with social services to identify the emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of the patient.

3. Develops Plan of Care based on identified needs; Plan of Care reflects a problem solving approach with defined, measurable outcomes. Ensures quality, continuity of care as well as identifying patients goals. Plan of Care will be shared with assigned RN Case Manager and Home Health Aide Coordinator.

4. Makes recommendations to IDT for action/follow-up of newly referred patients.

5. Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions and goals are accurately and clearly stated and kept in accordance with Medicare, MediCal, State home health Agency and Joint Commission standards.

6. Collaborates with physicians to determine need for a change of level of care (continuous home care, respite, attendant care, in-patient admission, or discharge from the Hospice Program).

7. Interventions reflect an advanced level of nursing practice and commitment to execution of IDT Plan of Care.

8. Follows universal precautions in delivering patient care.

9. Provides support to families in anticipation of patients expected death with coordination of services with administrative staff, physician, mortuary, pharmacy and DME supplier.

10. Prepares family to plan transition from care giving to bereavement, in coordination with IDT members.

11. Demonstrates creativity in meeting and teaching patient/family needs in the home environment.

12. Uses expert nursing judgment and functions as patient advocate in collaboration with IDT and primary physician, when seeking a change in optimal care setting for the patient, incorporating patient safety and family care giving ability.

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION/COMMUNICATION: Ensure continuity of care to patient/families by effectively collaborating and communicating with Social Services and other members of the IDT and the patient/family/caregivers.

1. Documents that all required forms have been explained and signed by patient or patient representative. Documents all care provided, teaching, and supplies ordered/delivered. Documents telephone conversations related to patient’s admission. Documentation completed within require time frame.

2. Communicates needs of “crisis” patients/families to the CCO to facilitate team discussion for necessary changes in patient’s Plan of Care.

3. Collaborates with MSW, HHA, MD, DME suppliers and other health care providers for patient’s care.

4. Refers additional services when indicated by patient condition.

5. Remains sensitive to caregiver ability to provide care and offers additional services as appropriate.

6. Supports and teaches patient/family/caregiver to facilitate the IDT Plan of Care.

7. Recognizes the knowledge, skills and input of each discipline representative on the team and advocates for the most appropriate team member(s) intervention(s) with the patient/family.

8. Ensures the patient’s and family’s right to confidentiality in communications.

9. Minimum Productivity Requirements: Up to three admissions per shift and other visits as assigned. Promotes agency philosophy, mission statement and administrative policies to ensure quality of care. Manages time efficiently utilizing ancillary staff to their fullest capacity to ensure that patients are provided the optimum level of care and service.

10. Accepts other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

EDUCATION OF PATIENTS FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS: Ensures that patients/families/caregivers receive the education they need to understand the philosophy of Hospice care and the knowledge required to provide for the comfort and physical care needs of the patient. Helps Hospice of San Joaquin educate the community.

1. Responsible for coordinating physical care of patients by teaching primary caregivers, employed caregivers, and volunteer caregivers as appropriate.

2. Educates patients/families/physicians/referral sources and the community about the Hospice philosophy and Hospice’s services.

Qualifications

1. A current license in the State of California as a Registered Nurse. 2. Two years experience as an RN, Hospice experience preferred. 3. Marketing experience a plus. 4. Ability to set priorities, and organize work independently. 5. Skill in nursing practices with understanding and knowledge of Hospice care and commitment to the philosophy and goals of the program. 6. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 7. Ability to learn and assimilate the Allscripts computer software program. 8. CPR Training

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ability and willingness to drive own vehicle, have a valid California driver's license and have automobile insurance that meets State standards. All employees, volunteers, consultants, and consultant volunteers who drive need to provide Hospice of San Joaquin with evidence of insurance. This is necessary to be covered by the agency's non-owned auto policy. 2. Ability to safely maneuver equipment (wheelchairs etc.) and assist family/caregivers with transferring and ambulating patients when necessary. 3. Implements personnel policies as they relate to nursing staff. 4. Physically able to walk, stand, stoop, sit and lift. 5. Good manual dexterity 6. Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal information. 7. Able to tolerate driving in a car for long periods of time. 8. Able to negotiate steps and non-paved surfaces to reach patients. 9. Able to move patients and/or bend over a bed or wheelchair-bound patients while providing care.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS: 1. Health Screening 2. TB Screening 3. Hepatitis B Series offered 4. Background Check 5. Reference Check 6. Drug Screening

We offer a great benefits package to our staff such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation

• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution

• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match

• AFLAC insurance plans

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Fitness Center membership discount

• Employee Assistance Programs (ESP)

• Supportive work culture which encourages work-life balance

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Monthly mileage reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program

If you are interested in being part of a dynamic team and helping us continue to be the leader in ensuring the quality of the journey, from a serious illness to the end of life and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do, we encourage you to apply. 

To learn more about Hospice of San Joaquin, please visit our website at: