Nursing

All hospices have RN Case Managers. They are an integral part of the hospice care team.

A hospice case manager nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is responsible for overseeing the care of hospice patients. A hospice case manager nurse must be comfortable working independently. She is the eyes and ears for the hospice physician and likewise must posses expert assessment skills.

• Hospice case manager nurses have been specially trained in evaluating and caring for the terminally ill patient and their family or caregivers. Therefore, they are expected to be able to efficiently recognize and evaluate symptoms. They work closely with the hospice physician to treat distressing symptoms and improve patient comfort.

• One of the goals for the hospice case manager nurse is to provide continuity of care  and to build a trusting relationship with the patient. However, other RN’s and LPN’s are also utilized to offer a broad level of sustaining support. 

• The case manager nurse educates families and/or caregivers on recognizing symptoms and providing safe and competent care for the patient. They offer emotional and practical support for both the patient and their family/caregivers.

• The case manager nurse must have excellent communication and time management skills and be comfortable around dying patients. They are patient, compassionate and respect the unique differences of their patients.

• The hospice case manager nurse works as a part of the hospice interdisciplinary care team. They supervise the care provided by home health aides (HHA) and licensed practical nurses (LPN's). They work closely with the hospice social worker, chaplain, and volunteers to coordinate physical, emotional, and spiritual care of the patient and family.

Hospice nurses have a unique opportunity to share in a patient’s last moments.