volsfan

volsfan has 5 years experience and specializes in Hospice, Pediatric, OB/GYN.

Latest Activity

1. Lasix use in CHF?

   volsfan replied to gorgenurse's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   I wanted to add that you must also consider that the families and patient's can choose whether or not to treat an

2. Revocation of hospice service?

   volsfan replied to mschelee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   All I can tell you is that is our company's policy; whether it is right or wrong I don't know. I can see both sides of the argument. We open the kit to explain all the meds to the pt, but they are...

3. Revocation of hospice service?

   volsfan replied to mschelee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   Although our MD has to sign for us to have the comfort pak in the home (from HP) we are suppose to get another order to use any of the medications in the kit. If we start using a med from the kit we...

4. On Call Schedule.....that is workable

   volsfan replied to onewithhospiceheart's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   All our staff is salary; including on call staff. The starting salary is $24.00/hr. Our case loads are b/t 12-15, but can get as high as 17-18. When the RN Case Manager is on call (backup/primary)...

5. On Call Schedule.....that is workable

   volsfan replied to onewithhospiceheart's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   Our company has 2 FT and 1 PT on call staff who work primary call. The RN Case Managers rotate backup call; and will take primary call if the on call staff are sick or on vacation. Mon-Fri: 1 primary...

6. Revocation of hospice service?

   volsfan replied to mschelee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   I would find out why the management thinks this way; where are they coming from. Is it b/c they are misinterpreting some law, policy, etc. I am in total agreement with Katillac. Many times the pt will...

7. How do you explain Respite vs GIP ???

   volsfan replied to AtlantaRN's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   There is also a difference in how Medicare pays. They will pay significantly more for someone to be on Inpatient

8. social worker visit?

   volsfan replied to mschelee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   Per the COPs: The initial assessment must be done within 48 hours, by an RN. The comprehensive assessment must be done within 5 days; this includes the psychosocial (social worker) and spiritual...

9. Comfort kits

   volsfan replied to Mandee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

   Many hospices use ekits b/c they are cheaper to have than getting each of the medications

10. Comfort kits

    volsfan replied to Mandee's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    To pjtk, As a home hospice nurse I review all comfort pak contents with my families b/c the families are usually the first to give the medications in the middle of the night or on weekends while they...

11. Tips for working in the field

    volsfan replied to Cardiac-RN's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    An average day: 7:15-7:30 See first pt of the day (I like to get started early, you will find if you start prior to 8 AM it works better) Work until 1030-1100 seeing pts. Take a break for lunch, b/t...

12. Do you visit hospice patients daily while in hospital?

    volsfan replied to AtlantaRN's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    If the pt is in the hospital on INPATIENT STATUS and not outside the plan of care, the COPs (Alabama) require a member of the IDT to visit 6 days per week. You would need to check your particular...

13. Hospice, TPN, Ovarian Cancer

    volsfan replied to AJ28's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    She shouldn't have to pay out of pocket since it is related to her diagnosis and would not really be considered aggressive tx, at least that's how my hospice would view it. I know all of them view...

14. Hospice, TPN, Ovarian Cancer

    volsfan replied to AJ28's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    TNP is appropriate in the hospice and home setting. But always remember it's about quality of life. If the TPN will bring improved quality to her life to her, even for a short period of time, then it...

15. case manager turnover

    volsfan replied to mimiv123's topic in Hospice, Palliative

    A good hospice company will not have the high turnover rate that other hospice companies do. I know this from personal experience. Our longest Case Manager has been with our branch for more than 6...