Job Description
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Hospice Intake Coordinator
Experience Level: 5+ Years (Required)
Position Type: Full-Time
Setting: Office-Based / Telephonic (with occasional field visits as needed)
The Hospice Intake LPN serves as the initial clinical touchpoint for patients, families, and referring providers entering hospice care. This role requires a highly experienced clinician who combines deep knowledge of end-of-life care with strong clinical assessment skills. The Intake LPN efficiently processes referrals, determines initial eligibility, gathers necessary medical documentation, and coordinates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure a seamless, compassionate, and timely transition into hospice services. This role would be a hybrid position!
Key Responsibilities
Referral Management & Clinical Assessment
• Review & Screen: Evaluate incoming referrals from hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community physicians to determine initial hospice eligibility based on CMS guidelines.
• Clinical Triage: Review complex medical records, diagnostic reports, and physician notes to assess patient acuity and immediate care needs.
• Payer Verification: Collaborate with the billing/admissions department to verify insurance benefits (Medicare, Medicaid, and private commercial plans).
Care Coordination & Transition
• Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact between referring physicians, hospital discharge planners, the hospice medical director, and the field admission team.
• Scheduling: Coordinate and schedule immediate face-to-face clinical assessments and admissions visits for field RNs.
Family Support & Consultation
• Compassionate Guidance: Conduct empathetic telephonic consultations with patients and grieving family members, explaining the hospice philosophy, services, and expectations.
• Crisis Management: Provide immediate, supportive, and calm telephonic triage for families in distress during the referral process.
Qualifications & Requirements
• License: Active, unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license in the state of practice.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of nursing experience required, with at least 2–3 years specifically within hospice, palliative care, or home health. Prior experience in intake highly preferred.
• Certifications: CHPLN (Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Practical Nurse) is a strong plus.
• Skills:
◦ Proficient in medical terminology related to end-of-life care, oncology, and chronic disease trajectories.
◦ Exceptional active listening, verbal communication, and crisis-de-escalation skills.
◦ High proficiency with Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR) software and Microsoft Office.
◦ Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants for positions without the regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, or non-job related handicap or disability.
