Hospice Admissions Nurse

*** Includes an on-call rotation every 8th weekend. ***

Purpose:

Coordinates hospice admissions for the organization through marketing and providing education to potential referral sources on the benefits of hospice care. Acts as the liaison to build and maintain relationships with physicians/ARNPs, hospital staff, clinics, nursing facility partners and other community members to facilitate referrals. Conducts the initial referral and admission to hospice care and will maintain on-going communication with non-admitted/discharged patients and implements strategies which result in admissions.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains understanding of applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards.
• Makes routine, scheduled calls on referral sources for the purpose of promoting access to hospice care and specifically referrals to the organization.
• Documents and tracks all contacts, assists in the creation of reports used to evaluate effectiveness of plans.
• Serves as a resource to team members in assigned area for information on outreach and client relations.
• Receives, monitors, and evaluates potential admissions for the organization from all referral sources for the hospice houses and home team(s). Performs initial case management with third party payers; educates the patient and primary care giver about the hospice benefit.
• Obtains appropriate consent for care and initiates the referral/admission process for both home team(s) or hospice house admission. Documents direct patient services timely.
• Provides information on hospice services to patients, families, and the community.
• Works with team to provide follow-up communication to attending physicians regarding non-admissions; maintains communication with non-admissions to provide follow-up education and on-going assessment for hospice qualification and appropriateness.
• Markets the organization through scheduled visits by establishing professional and public relationships with physicians and other health care entities to encourage and develop current and potential referral sources.
• Monitors customer satisfaction and preferences of referral sources as customers.
• Actively participates in the quality assessment/improvement process.
• Maintains a professional and positive image at all times.
• Serves as representative for the organization at community functions.

Qualifications:

• Current and valid Iowa RN license; BSN degree preferred
• At least two years of nursing experience
• Knowledge of hospice principles, Medicare hospice benefit, practices, and processes
• Demonstrated success in marketing (if marketing experience)
• Excellent communication and organization skills
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound decision-making
• Ability to create and maintain professional relationships
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification
• Mandatory Reporter of Child and Dependent Adult abuse training certification (within 30 days of hire)
• Must have valid driver's license, auto liability insurance and reliable transportation if driving is required
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical, drug screen, 2-step TB test and background check

Working Conditions:

• Physical requirements: Medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Physical activities: Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Talking, Fingering (picking, pinching, typing, etc.) Hearing, Grasping (applying pressure with fingers and palm),Repetitive motions, Feeling (perceiving size, shape, texture, temperature by touching),Visual acuity (field of vision for analyzing data, viewing computer, using measurement devices, operating machines, determining accuracy or neatness, and/or making general observations)
• Environment: Hazards (chemicals, infectious diseases), Atmospheric conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases)
• Time: Work hours based on patient-driven census model
• Travel: Required between locations

These characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization.

EveryStep is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are implemented without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information or on the basis of age or physical or mental disability unrelated to ability to perform the work required.

About EveryStep

One of Iowa's oldest nonprofits, EveryStep has provided health care and community services since 1908. Our team of experts are driven by a single purpose - to care for people and connect them with support at every step of their journey. Each year, we help thousands of Iowans cope in times of crisis and move forward with stability, dignity, and hope.

The diversity and breadth of our programs ensure that we can meet a variety of needs at once and provide ongoing assistance over time. More than 30 programs and services:

• Deliver in-home care to people who are ill, injured, or facing the end of life
• Offer compassionate support to families experiencing grief and loss
• Assist new and expecting parents and support the healthy development of young children
• Help Iowans navigate complicated health care and social systems
• Walk alongside refugees and immigrants arriving in our community
• Bring wellness services to places where people are

Serving Iowa from 11 locations, nearly 400 employees and hundreds of volunteers are committed to EveryStep's mission: We empower individuals, support families, and strengthen communities. There is at least one EveryStep program available to residents in every Iowa county. Every program is important and contributes to our mission.

EveryStep is an equal opportunity employer. Employment practices are implemented without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, genetic information or on the basis of age or physical or mental disability unrelated to ability to perform the work required.