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Next Reply: Re:Use of RNs in Palliative Care
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Post Use of RNs in Palliative Care
Author: CSolesRN
Date: Nov 8, 2010 3:54 pm
I currently work in a facility that offered a Palliative Care Program, but just as the momentum started going, they decided to put the whole program on hold. I am a RN, currently pursuing my Master's. I have been the gatekeeper for the program for a year. In April my hours were cut to 8hrs a week. This was very difficult to initiate the consult, do the consults with the MDs, screen ICU pts and report productivity; however, I was told Friday that the program was on hold. I am considered the expert here, and the MDs will agree and they WANT me to be in the consults with them, as none of them are certified in hospice and palliative care. In what capacity are you using RNs? How are RNs useful even though hospital can not be reimbursed for their services?
Replies: order by [Date] [Author] [Subject]
Re:Use of RNs in Palliative Care (by solson on 11/08/2010)
We have a RN who coordinates the referral process. She sees all referrals and contacts the appropriate team members based on the assessed needs. Many of our referrals are for goals of care and the RN alone sees most of these. We have physicians who have volunteered to be acitive on the PC team even though they have practice areas that are not PC. The RN will contact the physician on call for the week with the assessment an coordinate rounding with the physician. The RN does most of the follow up assessing for symptom control and/or any further needs. We are a smaller community hospital that does not have the resources for NP or dedicated physicians.
Re:Use of RNs in Palliative Care (by maryg on 11/09/2010)
Currently I am the lead rn for our program as well. I did the initital assessment afte referal and take infor back to the team. Our orgainization wants more MD involvment which is a challange since we have not had much involvment and the physiciana have not been comfortable with the ideas of bringing another MD on board. With your program being cut to 8 hours per week what are they hoping that you will accomplish? What are the goals of administration setting up your program? Unless you have buy in from the decision makers the porgam will never grow or move forward.

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