The Hospice Admission Nurse is responsible for evaluating patients for hospice eligibility, completing comprehensive admission assessments, coordinating the admission process, and providing education and support to patients and families as they transition to hospice care.
This position requires strong clinical judgment, compassionate communication, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to independently manage hospice admissions from referral through completion.
Specific scheduled days will be determined based on agency needs and candidate availability.
Review hospice referrals and available clinical documentation before contacting the patient or family.
Evaluate patients for hospice eligibility in accordance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, payer requirements, and agency policies.
Complete comprehensive hospice admission assessments accurately and within required timeframes.
Obtain and document a complete medical history, medication profile, functional assessment, symptom assessment, and psychosocial information.
Identify the patient’s immediate clinical needs, safety concerns, and symptom-management priorities.
Educate patients and families regarding the hospice philosophy, available services, patient rights, levels of care, and the roles of the interdisciplinary team.
Explain and complete required admission documents, notices, consents, and election-of-benefit forms.
Collaborate with physicians, hospice providers, referral sources, pharmacies, durable medical equipment providers, facilities, and members of the hospice interdisciplinary team.
Coordinate medications, equipment, supplies, and services needed for a safe and timely admission.
Develop the initial plan of care based on the patient’s assessed needs and goals.
Communicate significant clinical findings and changes in condition to the appropriate provider and hospice team members.
Provide skilled nursing interventions and symptom-management education during the admission visit.
Ensure that all documentation is complete, accurate, timely, and compliant with regulatory and agency requirements.
Provide clear handoff communication to the assigned hospice case manager and interdisciplinary team.
Participate in staff meetings, education, competency evaluations, quality-improvement activities, and other agency programs as required.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, infection-control, safety, and professional practice requirements.
Travel throughout the agency’s service area to complete admissions in patient homes, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and other care settings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the State of California.
Minimum of one year of professional nursing experience.
Strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, and care-coordination skills.
Ability to independently complete comprehensive patient assessments and manage multiple admission-related responsibilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate compassionately and professionally with patients and families experiencing serious illness, end-of-life decisions, grief, or emotional distress.
Ability to accurately complete electronic clinical documentation within established timeframes.
Working knowledge of medications, symptom management, infection prevention, and patient safety.
Ability to work the designated schedule, including one regularly scheduled weekend day.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance that meets agency requirements.
Ability to travel throughout the agency’s service area.
Current CPR certification.
Ability to meet all agency health, background-screening, and employment requirements.
