Major Responsibilities:

Responsible for the admission to hospice services. Leads the interdisciplinary care team specific to each patient and family on their caseload. 

Obtains history and completes physical assessment. Utilizes data to assess and to evaluate appropriateness for hospice services and level of care, collaborates with the attending physician, medical director and hospice interdisciplinary team.

Meets with patients and families to explain the hospice program of services and to obtain informed consent for hospice care. Obtain and verify the verbal certification of prognosis in conjunction with the medical director and IDT. 

Reviews insurance/Medicare eligibility and benefits and documenting data to support billing efforts.

Assesses patient and family readiness, ability to understand hospice services and development of the plan of care.  Involves them in planning and implementing care. Seeks consultation as needed. Initiates referrals to other disciplines.

Coordinates all services and collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team to provide consistent patient care. Arranges for and recommends equipment, medical supplies and other necessary items and services as indicated.  Communicates well with IDT for handoff purposes.  Incorporates an individualized, holistic approach in the plan of care and implements the multidisciplinary plan of treatment.

Facilitates appropriate placement in hospice contracted facility if necessary.

Assess need of and coordinates the delivery of medications, supplies and home medical equipment.

Demonstrates effective communication, feedback, and conflict resolution skills, promoting collaboration among healthcare team members.

Develops and provides hospice education to inpatient hospital and facility staff as indicated and directed by manager.

Acts as an expert resource to hospital and facility staff regarding hospice and palliative care services.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which the team member practices.

Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA). May obtain within 6 months based on department discretion.

A valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Education Required:

Associate's Degree in Nursing.

Experience Required:

Typically requires 2 years of direct patient care experience.  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

Excellent awareness and perception skills, for the purpose of assessing a patient's needs, concerns and to recognize changes in their health condition.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Excellent decision making and critical thinking skills, with the ability to work independently and make sound judgments.

Excellent prioritization and organizational skills.

Excellent documentation, computer, and time management skills

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Must be able to travel to all areas within the Advocate Aurora service area in all extremes of weather on all types of roads. Exposed to widely varying social and environmental conditions in patient’s neighborhoods and homes. Must be willing to work occasional overtime if needed. Required to make visits to private residences which may not be accessible to people with disabilities.

Will be exposed to the following hazards on a frequent basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.  Will be required to wear PPE, protective clothing and equipment as needed. 

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.