Referral & Intake LPN

Description

UNITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

REFERRAL AND INTAKE NURSE

Position Summary

The Referral and Intake nurse is responsible for processing incoming referrals and gathering information concerning the patient’s medical background and referral needs. Initiates and maintains appropriate communication with referral sources, medical, operational and care teams to meet the needs of referred patients. The Referral and intake nurse is also the initial point of contact for patients and families.

Reports to

Director of Patient Services

Qualifications

1. Current unrestricted Licensed Practical Nurse licensure from the State of Wisconsin
2. Previous hospice experience preferred
3. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work well under pressure and excellent time management skills

Employment Status

Non-exempt 

Key Job Duties

1. Respond promptly and courteously to all contacts about new patient referrals
2. Obtain supporting documentation from hospital, clinic or facility records
3. Work in close collaboration with members of the medical team to ensure they have the appropriate information to make hospice eligibility decisions
4. Obtain hospice orders and verbal certifications
5. Obtain orders to utilize crisis pack and standing orders
6. Coordinate initial meetings with patients/families and hospice admissions staff
7. Work with the billing department to verify insurance/managed care benefit coverage
8. Determine whether a nursing visit to the patient is required when eligibility is in question
9. Follow up on any pending referrals 
10. Scan in and attach referral records to the patient’s medical record
11. Maintain level of competency in required areas
12. Abide by Standards of Nursing Practice as outlined in Wisconsin Administrative Code
13. Comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations as well as policies and procedures of Unity
14. Satisfy mandatory training requirements regarding local, state and federal regulations and/or Unity’s policies and procedures
15. Consistently and concisely documents activity according to department protocols and standards
16. Promote and maintain confidentiality
17. Perform other job-related duties as assigned
18. Maintain regular and reliable attendance
19. Share in providing seven days-a-week coverage

Customer Service

Strives for superior service to the extent we exceed our customers' expectations/needs

1. Recognize the needs and expectations of internal and external customers
2. Respond to identified needs and expectations, producing positive customer outcomes
3. Treat customers (internal/external) with respect and dignity

Team

Demonstrate support for the key organizational values relative to people

1. Treat other members of the team with respect and integrity
2. Demonstrate partnership which works towards common team goals
3. Demonstrate flexibility and/or willingness to adjust work schedule to assure adequate staff levels
4. Anticipate and respond to needs
5. Apply effective interpersonal communication skills
6. Respond to people and issues with knowledge/facts
7. Recognize contributions of team members and provide support/feedback

Continuous Improvement

Supports organizations efforts focused on continuous improvement

1. Identify issues as they relate to the process improvement and customer satisfaction
2. Maintain ongoing involvement with system improvement
3. Follow through with system improvement changes

Requirements

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Essential Physical/Environmental/Technical Skills:

Employees must have the ability to; operate computers, telephones, and other office equipment, communicate both verbally and in writing, sit for prolonged periods of time as required by position, walk, bend and lift up to 10 pounds on occasion, organize and prioritize tasks. 

Exposure to Hazards:

In the course of duties there may be a risk of “occupational exposure”. An occupational exposure defined by OSHA is “reasonable anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, nonimpact skin, or parental contact with blood and other potentially infectious material that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.” This may also include other potentially hazardous materials.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

PPE is one measure available to all employees to help reduce the risk of contracting blood borne illnesses and other diseases. It is the employee’s duty to assess the need for PPE’s and the appropriate kind to be used. Furthermore, it is the employee’s responsibility to wear and use the PPE that has been made available.