Questions about hospice

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Hello. I'm an experienced palliative care nurse/CHPN (inpatient) and wanting to move into hospice nursing. I have applied to some local hospice positions, but I know it is a little different role than inpatient palliative care/end of life care. Can you tell me what a re-visit RN does? How many patients is reasonable for a "case manager?" What sort of orientation would a new hospice nurse expect? What questions would you ask of a potential employer? I am really excited about making the transition, and my heart is telling me it will be a good match, if I can find a reasonable work schedule/pay. I have only done inpatient nursing, so it will be very different, but hopefully in a good way.Also- I have two small children, so being on call won't work for me. Though, I hear not all hospice RNs take call?? Thanks for any advice you may have! I am both excited and nervous!

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Specializes in onc, M/S, hospice, nursing informatics.

I am a hospice nurse and I admit patients to the hospital for end of life care. The reason I did not want to be a case manager was due to all of the driving (because it's incredibly hot in Texas and I hate it!). I'm pretty sure though that our case managers have to rotate taking call and can work some pretty long days. Some of our nurses have 15 or more patients. What they told me when I started was that orientation was as long as I needed it to be (within reason, of course). That turned out to be a month. I think the best questions you need to ask during your interview are: maximum number of patients you can have, how much call, is there mandatory overtime, how much orientation, is there an acuity scale for the patients (and are you given patients accordingly).

I know I wouldn't do that for anything, just because I love staying at the hospital. Wishing you much success! PM me if you have more questions.

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Thank you for the reply mom4josh. I tried to pm you, but the message wouldn't go through. You job sounds great. I am eager to try almost any hospice RN role just to get my foot in the door.

I was wondering also what a "revisit" nurse is? And what is standard reimbursement for gas/mileage? Thanks!

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Specializes in onc, M/S, hospice, nursing informatics.

I don't know what a revisit nurse it.

We are paid $0.51 per mile.

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Thank you!

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I am just guessing here, but a re-visit nurse may be their term for field nurse. They may have

a nurse who specifically does admits or continuing care.

Just my WAG.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

a revisit nurse is a hospice nurse who does not manage a caseload of patients...they visit who they are asked to visit...helping out the case managers with their visit coverage.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Oh my gosh, I would love that job! I find case management extremely stressful! It is rewarding, but I feel like I am losing my mind some days trying to remember everything that is needed. I am actually moving back into an admission position and will be doing re-visits as well, to get out of the stress of case managing.

I think you will find caring for people in their home brings a whole different feeling to your relationship with your clients. I like caring for pt's in their home much better than in a facility or the hospital. Good luck!

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Thank you all for the replies. Yes, I found out today from the recruiter that the re-visit RN basically visits patients that a case manager is already managing, as well as doing a few admits. It would be both for in home visit as well as patients in facilities (SNF/hospital). Sounds perfect for an entry level position, and I am very hopeful for this job!

The pay is going to be a huge drop for me. I will be working an extra shift a week and making slightly less than before, but that is okay I guess. I would be working a different shift, too. I was really hoping for a little more pay wise, but truth is I REALLY want to get a foot in the door, and I have a gut feeling I might love this job! If offered the job, I would be a fool not to say yes. Benefit package is about the same as my current one. The recruiter said she would try & set up an interview this week, but needs to check with others as to days/times. So, fingers crossed!!!

She also said the average case load for the case managers is 10-12 patients. Just something to know about this hospice, I guess. That is about the norm? I am brainstorming to see if we (my family) can afford for me to do this job without having to pick up extra shifts at the hospital. I would LOVE to work in hospice exclusively, and not have to pick up acute care shifts.

Thanks again for the feedback. I appreciate it! :-)

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
Thank you all for the replies. Yes, I found out today from the recruiter that the re-visit RN basically visits patients that a case manager is already managing, as well as doing a few admits. It would be both for in home visit as well as patients in facilities (SNF/hospital). Sounds perfect for an entry level position, and I am very hopeful for this job!

The pay is going to be a huge drop for me. I will be working an extra shift a week and making slightly less than before, but that is okay I guess. I would be working a different shift, too. I was really hoping for a little more pay wise, but truth is I REALLY want to get a foot in the door, and I have a gut feeling I might love this job! If offered the job, I would be a fool not to say yes. Benefit package is about the same as my current one. The recruiter said she would try & set up an interview this week, but needs to check with others as to days/times. So, fingers crossed!!!

She also said the average case load for the case managers is 10-12 patients. Just something to know about this hospice, I guess. That is about the norm? I am brainstorming to see if we (my family) can afford for me to do this job without having to pick up extra shifts at the hospital. I would LOVE to work in hospice exclusively, and not have to pick up acute care shifts.

Thanks again for the feedback. I appreciate it! :-)

10-12 patients for a full time CM is about right, maybe 12-15 if the RN is experienced and does not travel a huge area. Could be more dependent upon the setting or geography or could be fewer for the same reasons. Our hospice is currently considering patient acuity as part of our staffing model, this allows us provide more flexibility for the CMs as their patient's condition changes.

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Thanks! Well, I lost the job to an internal candidate. ;-( It was a dream position, too! I am not sure what to do. There are some close to full time case manager RN positions out there, but I wanted to start out as a visit nurse part time. But the job market is so tight, maybe I should consider any position that comes my way??? I wish I knew what to do. I appreciate the info on the various roles.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

Kona,

:hug:

I'm sure the right opportunity will present itself. I'm sorry you didn't get this position!

Wishing you all the best-

Diane RN

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