Hospice Intake RN - PRN at Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point, NC

Hospice Intake RN - PRN

Work Schedule: regular availability to work as needed; minimum requirement of two shifts per month between Monday-Friday (day shifts).

The Intake Nurse (RN) is primarily responsible for assessing patient eligibility, enrolling patients to hospice services, and supporting agency efforts to ensure timely and efficient enrollment. This role involves working closely with various disciplines to streamline the admission process and ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care as quickly as possible. The Intake Nurse (RN) must possess a solid understanding of hospice eligibility criteria, as well as familiarity with other programs offered by Hospice of the Piedmont, to ensure each patient’s needs are appropriately met. The Intake Nurse (RN) participates in the intake process, pre-assessments, and other related visits across diverse settings, including private residences, inpatient units, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other settings as needed.

What are the essential duties day to day?

• Assists with the referral intake process by providing program information to prospective patients, families, and referral sources. This includes sharing details about services, gathering necessary information, and developing the referral in accordance with agency procedures.
• Responsible for verifying physician orders, determining appropriateness for services, and collaborating with all members of the interdisciplinary team to initiate and coordinate a patient-centered plan of care.
• Evaluates patients’ appropriateness and eligibility for program services. Effectively communicates assessment findings and treatment plan initiation with providers, both internally and externally.
• Demonstrates strong clinical judgment, effective communication skills, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and compassionate care to patients.
• Develops and maintains a positive presence across all levels of care and among various disciplines, fostering strong relationships and promoting collaboration throughout the referral and admission process.
• Collaborates with all referral sources including physician offices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other targeted referral sources by coordinating with providers, case managers, and other staff that have direct involvement in the referrals and admissions process.
• Evaluates the patient’s immediate physical, environmental, and safety needs during intake visit.
• Explains available services and collaborates with the patient, their loved ones, and members of the interdisciplinary team to develop an initial plan of care that supports a satisfactory patient outcome.
• Accurately and promptly documents communications with all parties involved in the case, adhering to Hospice of the Piedmont’s policies. If in a facility setting, completes documentation in the facility’s chart following established procedures specific to that facility.
• Reviews all medications the patient is taking, compiles a list for the medical record, and evaluates for potential drug interactions. Provides initial education to the patient and caregiver on safe, effective patient management at home and outlines program requirements.
• Orders equipment, supplies and other services as necessary for the patient’s plan of care.
• May complete the Initial Comprehensive Nursing Assessment portion of the admission process when determined appropriate by RN and leader.

Here is what employees in this role have to say!

• I love the autonomy of this job. We can make decisions without having to go through a lot of steps to get there because of the protocols that are in place with hospice.
• I enjoy the ability to talk with my patients and families about the changes in the patient and informing them about treatment changes, etc.
• The providers that I work with are understanding, receptive, and easily contacted for questions and/or med changes.

Though it is very rewarding work, it also comes with challenges:

In hospice care, you are dealing with grief. It is important to find ways to not take the heaviness of it all home with you. Many of our employees find that what helps them on those hard days is to find joy in the fact that they were able to be there to comfort that patient, help them feel cared for, and make a difference in the time they had with them.

Are you a good fit for this role? Here are some things we find very valuable..

• Ability to maintain positive working relationships and courteous interaction with public
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Integrity
• Compassionate
• Empathetic
• Patient dignity minded
• Exceptional nursing skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence in speaking with patient and family, especially with difficult information
• Time Management skills