Symptom Management
Guest is in pain even after receiving routine and PRN medications. Called hospice multiple times and they gave x1 now order each time. This does not seem to be working, the guest is still not comfortable. What do you do?
Call hospice to request a visit. Pray.
Hospice calls on the weekend to report a referral they sent has passed.
Transfer the call to the Admissions voicemail or email admissions@portacaeli.org with the update.
You're asked if you have POA or Adv. Directive paperwork for a current guest. Where do you look to see if it's in ALIS?
Compliance documents under Adv. Directive, DNR or Complete Referral.
Mystery Alarm is beeping. What can you do to troubleshoot?
Try swiping your badge at one of the entry doors.
Call On Call if this doesn't work.
During onboarding, what is required of all volunteers before they start?
Virtus Training and Background check
Hospice tells you to DC all pills due to guest being unable to swallow. What questions should you ask the nurse?
Do you want to DC and Destroy, or keep it on hand?
What is the weight limit for Porta Caeli House guests?
250 pounds.
You're not sure how to chart or fix something in ALIS, what steps should you take to find a solution?
2. Ask a teammate.
3. Ask a supervisor or call On Call.
Phones are down at PCH and hospices have no way to get ahold of caregivers. What should you do?
Call each hospice company that is in the house and let them know the situation; give them your personal number to call if the nurse needs to speak to you.
What do volunteers use the Tablets in the workroom and kitchen for?
The tablets are used for volunteers to log in and out so that their hours are tracked.
Guest has had multiple episodes of vomiting and has become quite odorous. Hospice was out that morning and gave a bed bath. What do you do?
Wash face and hands, perform oral care. As time allows, give the guest a bed bath. Change t-shirt or gown and linens. Apply lotion (baby lotion smells fresh).
What is the best way to communicate with Sierra regarding Admissions during a shift?
Teams Chat. Using Teams Chat means that Sierra will not miss your call and you will not spend time looking for her in the building. You will be able to see her messages in a timely manner.
Destruction and Refills must be done in Drug Count. What are the two circumstances in which an Adjustment can be made?
1. To get the Quantity to Zero by entering -777.
2. If instructed to Adjust by a supervisor or On Call. This should be noted by "Adjusted per ______."
The internet is down at Porta Caeli House. How do you access ALIS to record guest care and pass meds?
Use the tablet at each care station.
What other role does Cassie have at Porta Caeli House?
Inventory and Purchasing.
This non-medication intervention is considered the "first-line" treatment for shortness of breath because it stimulates the trigeminal nerve to signal the brain that air is moving.
A fan blowing 6-12 inches from the face.
The Trigeminal Connection: The face is packed with receptors connected to the trigeminal nerve. When cool, moving air hits these receptors, it sends a powerful "air is moving" signal directly to the brain's respiratory center.
The Result: This neurological "trick" can almost instantly quiet the panic of air hunger, often before a dose of morphine could even be swallowed or absorbed.
Who is responsible for ensuring that a room is ready to receive a scheduled guest to arrive?
The assigned caregiver (both overnight and day shift).
What is the first step on the Death/Discharge Checklist?
Place Guest on Scheduled Leave. This stops all Care Tracking and Med Passes.
There is torrential rain and you see water coming in under the exit door. What should you do?
Use towels or blankets to soak up the water. Place Wet Floor sign in the area.
Are gloves donated?
Outside of gloves brought in by hospice, No, Cassie orders gloves from Bob Martin Supplies.
When a guest is experiencing "Terminal Delirium," caregivers might notice the guest picking at their clothes or seeing things that aren't there; this medication is often the first line of defense to treat their symptoms.
Haldol (Haloperidol)
What are the responsibilities of the Hospice Agency upon Admission?
1. Nurse on-site.
2. Supplies on-site.
3. Medications on-site.
4. DME on-site.
What is the purpose of the Pharmacy Delivery Form?
To ensure that there is an order for all medications in the drawer and that medications are appropriately taken off of hold when they arrive.
PCH has been having trouble with the electric flickering or going off and the backup generator kicking on. What is the first thing you should do if there is an issue with the power?
Go around and make sure oxygen concentrators are still on and working on any guests requiring continuous O2, and that any LALM are still on. Call hospice to request portable oxygen tank, if needed.
Call On Call.
Who donates our supply overflow items?
The overflow supplies are donated by Jeanne, Jan, Celia, Penny (volunteers) to the Catholic Charities Market, Christ for Humanity, and the Day Center for the Homeless.