Palliative Care Nurse at EverHeart Hospice

Summary of Position: The Palliative Care Licensed Practical Nurse provides compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families facing serious or life limiting illnesses. This position supports the palliative care team through clinical coordination, symptom management, education, and communication to improve quality of life and continuity of care. Additionally, the LPN Palliative Care Nurse is responsible for consulting with patients and families seeking information about EverHeart Hospice Palliative Care Program. This position will provide support to the palliative care  team, patients, and families.

Education and Experience:

1.    Graduation from an approved School of Nursing.

2.    Current LPN licensure in the State of Ohio.

3.    Minimum of three years of Hospice experience, Medical/Surgical, Oncology or community health nursing.

4.    Palliative Care experience preferred.

5.    Healthcare sales and/or marketing experience preferred.

Special Skills and Requirements:

1.    Shall have a valid driver’s license.

2.    Excellent customer service skills.

3.    Detail oriented with excellent communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

4.    Ability to follow instructions.

5.    Ability to work independently without supervision.

6.    Travel to other sites as needed. Travel may be in inclement weather.

7.    Ability to lift 25 lbs. of supplies or equipment. Requires various amounts of sitting, standing, twisting, turning, bending, lifting and walking.

Responsibilities of Position:

1.    Provide nursing care under the direction of the RN and/or provider in accordance with the patients care plan and palliative care principles.

2.    Monitor and report changes in patients’ condition, symptoms, or response to treatment.

3.    Support patients and caregivers in understanding disease progression, treatment options, and goals of care.

4.    Assist with scheduling follow-up phone calls, visits, labs, and referrals as directed.

5.    Collaborate closely with physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure holistic patient care.

6.    Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).

7.    Provide consultative care planning to referral sources and patients and families aimed at matching prospects with the best service from our portfolio.

8.    In coordination with patients and families prepare and complete pre-admission paperwork according to Agency requirements.

9.    Follow up with  and monitor patients in the Palliative Care Program and the In Touch Program.

10.    Collaborate with referral sources, identifying strengths and weaknesses regarding EverHeart Hospice and/or Palliative Care admissions.

11.    Work collaboratively with the Admissions, and Palliative Care team to facilitate the conversion of referrals.

12.    Assist the Admissions Specialist with admission paperwork, including physician orders and data entry into the EMR.

13.    Work collaboratively with the Palliative Care admissions consultant to optimize function of Palliative Care at EverHeart Hospice.

14.    Assist the Admission Nurses with pre-admission planning, including ordering medication and DME.

15.    Assist and participate in coding to ensure claims are processed quickly and in a way that maximizes reimbursement.

16.    Serve as back up to hospice admissions intake team members and Palliative Admissions Consultant

17.    Assist the Nurse Practitioners with information gathering, medication orders, faxing, phone follow-up.

18.    Make follow-up visits at the direction of the Nurse Practitioner.

19.    Other duties as assigned.