RN Liaison - Hospice

Position Summary:
The Hospice Liaison is responsible for growing key service line areas , developing and maintaining new and current relationships with Carle Foundation Hospital. As a critical member of the marketing and admissions teams, the Hospital Liaison works closely with hospital discharge planners, physicians, palliative team members, social workers, case managers, management, inpatient unit and education staff to generate referrals. The Hospital Liaison also provides initial and on-going assessments of patients in facility contracted beds, and manages patients admitted to the hospital for symptom management.

Qualifications:
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Associate's Degree in Nursing

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
Registered Professional Nurse (RN) License Illinois upon hire and Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days and Driver's License upon hire and Proof of Auto Insurance upon hire.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two (2) years Hospice

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Person must be highly motivated and have good communication skills

Essential Functions:

• Assesses potential patient's condition and past medical history and obtains appropriate documentation to support hospice eligibility and ensures that the hospice certification is accurately completed.
• Provides an overview of hospice services and secures appropriate signed consents for admission to hospice program.
• Communicates with hospital staff to establish a coordinated plan of care that reflects the hospice philosophy and the patient's needs, for hospice patients who are admitted to hospitals or are awaiting admission.
• Coordinates the completion of the admission process and ensures that appropriate resources are obtained for a successful transfer to home care, or to an extended care facility.
• Provides the receiving team or facility with appropriate information to facilitate continuity of care.
• Collaborates with the attending physician to effectively manage the hospitalized patient and ensure that transfers to other care sites are expedited as soon as possible.
• Serves as consultant to other professionals including the hospital staff by providing clinical expertise in the area of hospice care. Consults and collaborates with physicians as appropriate.
• Assists in planning and executing educational offerings for hospital staff related to the care of hospice patients.
• Participates in Grand Rounds, Tumor Board, or other hospital staff related functions to communicate the hospice philosophy and HOD services.
• Interfaces with facility utilization review staff to facilitate timely transfer of hospitalized patients and appropriate use of facility resources.
• Acts as liaison between hospital, physicians, nursing homes, and to resolve problems, provide information, and maintain positive relationships.
• Follows all applicable federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, compliance and employment regulations.

• Meets with patients and their families to determine appropriateness for Hospice admission, and give referral information to allow them to make an informed decision.
• Arranges for Delivery of Durable Medical Equipment to patients homes prior to discharge from the Hospital.
• Arranges for ordering of appropriate medications for symptom relief and comfort prior to patients leaving the hospital for an at home admission.
• Meets with physicians, case managers, nursing staff to arrange for placement when needed as well as transportation.
• Coordinates with the Hospice Supervisors to arrange for a Nurse to be present at the home to admit when patient are discharged
• Evaluates and admits patients who are General Inpatient Appropriate. Provides guidance to physicians and nurses in the inpatient setting to provide symptom management and comfort. Provides support to patients and their families throughout this process.
• Assists with nursing duties in the field when time allows