Hospice RN Case Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

Registered Nurse from an accredited program currently licensed and in good standing with the respective State Board of Nursing. At least 1-year experience in nursing in an acute care setting and 1-year experience in home health, hospice or comparable experience is preferred. Desire to learn and demonstration of aptitude for the hospice philosophy and comfort care required. Must have the ability to work cooperatively with other disciplines including, social workers, chaplains, CNA’s and volunteers. Hospice and Palliative Care certification preferred, or the understanding that this must be obtained within 6 months of being eligible to sit for the certification test.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

It is the responsibility of the Care Manager/RN to coordinate and to ensure the highest level of hospice care is provided to patients and families.

The CM/RN works in conjunction with the Executive Director/Director of Clinical Services and the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• Provide coordination and completion of admissions in a timely manner
• Assess patient for appropriateness for admission to hospice using the LCD’s, federal and state regulations, Hospice policy and procedures, and clinical knowledge base as guidelines
• Report to ED/DCS, Medical Director and patient PCP on patient condition and status at admission
• Provide hands-on clinical nursing, interacting with patients, family, physicians, Interdisciplinary Team members, and other health care professionals involved in the patient’s care.
• Assess and coordinate a pain/symptom management program formulated with the participation of family and patient, attending physician and the Interdisciplinary Team, utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain/symptom control to enhance quality of life.
• Assist in facilitating freedom of choice, relief of suffering and death with dignity for patients facing end of life issues
• Educate patient and family on the disease process and expectation related to the disease progression
• Provide support and education for families based on the hospice philosophy of care. Care includes physical, psychological, spiritual and financial comfort.
• Participate in Interdisciplinary Team meetings and up-dates the Plan of Care (POC) for assigned patients based on identified problems and needs
• Ensure patient care is delivered at the appropriate level of care with coordination of PCP and medical director, provide management of medication profile to prevent poly-pharmacy and ensure optimal symptom management
• Manage medication profile to ensure hospice is providing medications related to disease process and symptom management
• Ensure all services provided are in accordance with the patient’s POC
• Ensure the POC involves the active participation of the patient, family, PCP and the Interdisciplinary Team
• Provide team members with appropriate information to coordinate all services related to hospice care for assigned patients. Coordination of services include communicating and making assignments for visiting nurses, home health aide/homemaker, chaplain, social worker, volunteer and ancillary services, as well as, ordering medications and Durable Medical Equipment, and supplies
• Provide consultation and supervision to all CNAs and LPNs involved in the care of the patient
• Participate in the performance evaluation of clinical members of LPN(s) and CNA(s) involved with the care of case load.
• Assist with the orientation of clinical members participating in the care of the assigned caseload
• Provide care to manage patient
• Utilize the medication formulary whenever possible for the management of patient symptoms
• Triage scheduling and symptom management calls from members of IDT
• Report to ED/DCS as patient condition changes, changes in the patient condition that require change in level of care
• Ensure cost effective practices by self and others
• Participate in the QAPI program
• Participates in Community Education
• Implements practices that ensures Family Satisfaction measures exceed national benchmarks

PROFESSIONALISM:

• Work as a team member at all times and uphold the Hospice Code of Ethics.
• Ensures a patient centered culture through CARE (C*ompassion, Advocate, Respect, and E*ducate)
• Work as a team member to fulfill all aspects of Our Gold Standards on a daily basis.
• Provides a positive image of Hospice at all times.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Promote professional standards of behavior and ensure all staff members are aware of their personal accountability and responsibilities.
• Adheres to all HIPPA, HITECH, EPHI and company policies and procedures regarding patient protected information.

ORIENTATION AND TRAINING:

Hospice will provide orientation and training, as necessary, to assist the Care Manager/RN in performing the responsibilities listed above. Training may be in-house or outside seminars. Evidence of orientation and training will become part of the personnel file.

ON CALL:

The Care Manager may be on call according to a rotating schedule based on patients’ needs to ensure continuous care coverage. During the hours when on call, the Care Manager is expected to follow On Call Protocol and to respond to all calls and messages within 15 minutes.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Job requires the ability to:

• Access patients’ residence and all rooms therein
• Reliable transportation
• Communicate effectively with patient/families both verbally and written
• Communicate the mission and vision of the hospice

WORK CONDITIONS:

May require sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Driving/travel required. May require occasional lifting, pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reports directly to the Director of Clinical Services/Executive Director

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $72,000.00 - $83,200.00 per year

COVID-19 considerations:

PPE provided.