RN Hospice Liaison Nurse

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well‐being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Wellstar RN hospice liaison. The RN works within hospitals and community settings to assist patients and families in learning about hospice services and facilitate referrals/admissions to the hospice program. The role assesses hospice eligibility and appropriate levels of care, collaborates with physicians, hospital coordinators, ER staff, and other service providers, and coordinates transitions to the location where hospice care will be received.

The RN hospice liaison is a professional nurse who works with hospitals, community agencies, physician practices and other referral sources to assist patients and families in understanding hospice services and to facilitate referrals and admission to the hospice program. They assess eligibility and the appropriate level of care (GIP, Respite, Routine Home Care), collaborate with physicians, hospital care coordinators, ER staff, and other vendors, and coordinate with the hospice intake office to schedule admissions.

The practice is guided by the Well Star Professional Practice Model, 5‐Star Nursing, and evidence-based practice and research. RN competencies are derived from these models and the Well Star Core Competencies. The RN is expected to uphold the practice of nursing as outlined by the Georgia Professional Nurse Practice Act and Code of Ethics Standards from the American Nurses Association, and to support service excellence while upholding patient and system policies.

• Introduces hospice care and services to the patient and family; evaluates goals for care and readiness to accept a palliative approach to care.
• Reviews the medical record for evidence of disease progression and decline.
• Assesses the patient’s current condition and identifies needs.
• Discusses advance directives related to hydration and nutrition, antibiotics, code status, etc.
• Determines if a caregiver has been identified and who has the legal authority to consent for the patient when appropriate.
• Collaborates with physicians/NPs regarding the hospice assessment, referrals, and assessment findings.
• Obtains an order to admit to hospice; identifies hospice-related and non-related diagnoses; decides on the level of care upon admission.
• Obtains verbal certification from the attending physician for the patient’s selection and obtains admitting orders; reviews the medication profile.
• Coordinates the hospice admission with the hospice intake office and makes arrangements for discharge from the hospital.
• Orders medication, equipment and supplies to sustain care and ensures arrival prior to the patient’s arrival at home.
• When requested, assists with consent for care and other legal documents.
• Makes a copy of the DNR for transport to another location and arranges transportation.
• Educates referral sources and hospital staff about hospice care and the holistic approach to care, including family and caregivers in end-of-life decision making.
• Supports the patient and family in anticipatory grief during the transition to hospice care.
• Affirms the patient’s right to choose and be included in the Plan of Care; respects religious and cultural differences in end-of-life care and decision making.
• Educates the patient and family about hospice reimbursement and informs them of financial responsibilities surrounding care.

• Graduate of an accredited/approved school of nursing.
• Baccalaureate degree in nursing preferred.

• Registered Nurse (Single State) – Required
• RN – Multi-state Compact – Required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required
• BLS Instructor – Required
• BLS Provisional – Required
• Georgia Driver's License – Required
• Priva…