Hospice Intake RN

RN whose primary role is office based to process hospice and palliatve care  intake/referrals with all referral sources.  RN will assist in explanation of hospice eligibility, the hospice benefit, and particpate in staff scheduling and coordinate care. 

In addition to the following essential position competencies, other competencies may be required to meet the changing organizational needs:

1. Appropriate problem-solving approach to plan performance of services.

a. Responsible for the quantity and quality of all incoming referrals.

b. Receives referral from referral source.

c. Evaluates appropriateness of admission to Hospice & Palliative Care Programs.

d. Markets services to referral sources during intake process and otherwise as needed.

e. Enters demographic information into computer system.

f. Ensures all appropriate and necessary information is complete and accurate.

g. Distributes admissions to appropriate division/clinical manager.

h. Forwards appropriate cases for insurance verification.

i. Maintains current knowledge Medicare and Medicaid regulations.

j. Maintains current knowledge of all services provided.

k. Verifies coding accuracy for hospice billing.

2. Provides services with consideration of the physical, psychosocial, cultural/spiritual, and age-specific needs of those served.

a. Identifies age-specific physical, emotional and developmental needs of the patient/client.

b. Ensures that all divisions/departments receive orders per the physician’s plan of treatment and/or plan of care.

c. Maintains patient confidentiality.

d. Ensures members of the IDT are informed of known social aspects of a referral.

3. Uses equipment and supplies correctly.

a. Assists physicians in choosing cost-effective supplies.

b. Uses supplies in an efficient manner.

c. Identifies needs for prescription availability, equipment and supplies and requests orders.

d. Coordinates DME for new admissions.

4. Uses appropriate safety and infection control measures

a. Demonstrates appropriate use of Universal Precautions.

b. Demonstrates working knowledge of all applicable OSHA regulations.

5. Teaches/directs/advises/informs others in an appropriate manner

a. Communicates effectively with the admission staff to ensure compliance and other standards are met.

b. Provides appropriate information to patients/families to aid timely admissions.

c. Assists with coordination of patient care.

d. Participates in new staff orientation and continuing education.

e. Educates potential customers and referral sources regarding available services.

f. Provides accurate information to PBM and pharmacies to assist with facilitation of medication procurement.

g. Maintains professionalism in fast-paced environment.

h. Leads daily admission huddles.

6. Reports/records information accurately.

a. Documents all hospice orders clearly and concisely.

b. Assures all intake information is accurate.

c. Tracks non-admits and other referral patterns.

d. Notifies providers of coding needs for hospice referrals/recertifies.

e. Obtains proper physician orders for hospice program admissions.

f. Coordinates with facilities for hospice admissions.

g. Consistent timely communication with referral sources.

Educational / Formal Training / Licensure / Certification / Experience:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current North Carolina RN license or RN multi-state licensure privilege through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Hospice experience required. Extensive knowledge of Hospice eligibility required. Must have extensive knowledge of all regulatory requirements and accreditation standards.

Additional Skills:

1. Able to effectively communicate with all levels of the work force, clinical and non-clinical.

2. Able to perform and prioritize multiple functions or tasks.

3. Able to effectively deal with multiple changes.

4. Able to organize work and prioritize responsibilities.

5. Must be an effective team builder.

6. Must be a leader in customer service.

7. Must be able to coordinate with pharmacies and vendors for patient needs.

8. Respond to urgent nurse calls.

9. Ability to focus and perform multiple functions and tasks in a fast-paced work environment.

10. Understand and implement role-specific competencies.

11. Experience with computer software programs and electronic medical records. Able to interpret medical and technical terminology to patients and caregivers.

12. Possess excellent verbal, written, telephonic communication and effective teaching skills.

13. Able to navigate hospice coding based on CMS rules.

14. Ability to assess and anticipate needs for hospice admission.

15. Present professionally under stressful environments.

16. Able to manage and prioritize patient and needs.

Working Conditions:

1. Must work effectively under pressure.

2. Work in inclement weather.

3. Attend staff meetings and team conferences.

4. Potential exposure to detergents, chemicals, and/or hazardous materials.

5. Potential exposure to body fluid and communicable diseases.