RN Hospice Admission- Hospice

Hospice admission RN educates patients and families about hospice services and palliative care, guiding informed decisions for hospice admission and completing the admission for patients choosing to live at home, ALF, or SNF. Performs nursing assessment to determine eligibility based on disease history and current condition, reports findings, develops the initial Plan of Care with visit frequency, obtains verbal certification and admission orders from the attending physician and hospice medical director, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team. Educates patients and families on Medicare/Medicaid benefits and potential financial responsibilities. Orders necessary assistive devices and emergency medication kits per protocol, coordinates resources to support home care, and conducts a head-to-toe assessment focused on terminal illness and symptom management. Determines goals of care, advance directives, and code status; develops the initial Plan of Care with input from patient/family and team, and communicates with the hospice Medical Director regarding admission. Provides emotional support during the transition to hospice and ensures follow-through with the care plan. Travel to the admission site is required; may involve exposure to pets and cigarette smoke. Complies with WellStar policies and standards.