Katherine Castello
Indian Trail,NC
Summary
Accomplished Healthcare Administrator and Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience specializing in hospice, palliative care, and critical care operations. Serves as a Hospice Administrator, oversees full-cycle branch operations.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Administrator
LIBERTY HOSPICE
Mathews, NC
02.2024 - Current
- Enhanced patient and family care outcomes by effectively managing hospice teams across various disciplines. Achieved operational excellence by strategically directing financial and branch office functions.
- Monitored and facilitated all aspects of QAPI reviews and approvals, focusing on adherence to Hope Tool and Medicare/Medicaid documentation requirements.
- Managed full-cycle recruitment and established retention initiatives to support hospice staffing needs.
- Evaluated and updated internal policies and procedures to align with Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements.
- Implemented best practices to ensure superior care and services for patients and their loved ones.
- Coordinated preparation and management activities to enhance educational offerings for IDG.
- Developed detailed budget review presentations, highlighting financial trends and insights for office branches.
- Assessed quality assurance documentation and job-specific criteria to uphold standards in alignment with CMS participation guidelines.
- Compiled and presented CAHPS hospice survey results to enhance collaboration with corporate and IDG teams.
- Executed detailed reviews of strategic healthcare program data, delivering essential insights through structured monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
- Facilitated structured assessments of new employees during quarterly and annual reviews to ensure alignment with organizational standards.
Supervisor of Clinical Operations/Director of Admissions
ATRIUM HOSPICE OF UNION COUNTY
Monroe, NC
03.2023 - 01.2024
- Achieved seamless daily operations for hospice team members, contributing to improved patient care. Developed and tracked departmental goals and objectives to align team efforts with organizational mission.
- Oversaw creation and rollout of nursing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Managed comprehensive staff training programs and evaluations to effectively implement organizational goals and procedural guidelines.
- Managed comprehensive coordination of referral to admission processes, ensuring timely access to palliative care and hospice services.
- Managed patient admissions and coordinated with intake team to secure clinical records, verify payers, and schedule informational visits and care start dates.
- Engaged with sales, clinical operations, and regional leadership to strengthen referral sources and establish reliable connections with patients and their families.
- Oversaw accurate record-keeping and report generation for all aspects of patient care within homecare and homebase systems.
- Conducted thorough reviews and monitoring of Medicare and Medicaid processes, implementing necessary changes to align with CMS guidelines for patient care and recertifications.
- Coordinated IDG monthly and PRN team meetings, fostering an environment for discussion and decision-making.
- Compiled and submitted data applicable to QAPI, ensuring accuracy and compliance for QAPI Director review.
- Coordinated and executed staff review processes at 30, 60, and 90 days to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Facilitated effective troubleshooting and complaint management for the branch, ensuring prompt and satisfactory customer service.
- Facilitated collaboration among hospice medical director and physicians to ensure comprehensive patient management and support.
- Evaluated and authorized departmental budgets, focusing on effective staffing ratios and necessary supply procurement.
- Administered patient care services and facilitated family consultations to enhance patient support.
Team Manager/Supervisor; Central Intake, Admissions and Hospital Liaison Teams
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE CHARLOTTE REGION
Charlotte, NC
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Oversaw hospice clinical services, fostering adherence to core values while enhancing quality of care for palliative referrals and admissions.
- Engaged with director and AVP of departments to implement strategic changes that enhance overall effectiveness.
- Developed and implemented orientation strategies to enhance understanding of company policies and procedures for new hires and assistant team managers.
- Reviewed and analyzed team members' care practices, offering constructive feedback and educational support as needed.
- Analyzed and developed all aspects of patient care delivery for hospice admissions, focusing on adherence to Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance requirements.
- Facilitated understanding of Medicare benefits and policies among clinical staff and management, focusing on admission criteria, discharges, transfers, and revocations.
- Engaged with the quality improvement department to support implementation of standard hospice practices and improve service quality.
- Achieved seamless coordination of patient care through effective management of daily back-office reports. Enhanced intake admissions processes and strengthened collaboration with hospital liaison teams. Improved patient outcomes by fostering teamwork among GIP patient care staff.
- Coordinated payroll processes, PTO allocations, and training initiatives for admissions hospital liaisons and intake personnel.
- Coordinated all communication related to admission criteria and medication management, ensuring clarity from referral process to initiation of care.
- Streamlined communication processes with medical directors and directed interdisciplinary teams to optimize management of current patient census.
Admissions Coordinator, Case Manager, On Call
COMFORT CARE HOSPICE
Fairhope, AL
01.2019 - 11.2021
- Achieved streamlined patient census assignments to case managers, resulting in improved coordination with Baldwin County administration. Enhanced hospice staff support by effectively aligning team members with patient needs, leading to better patient outcomes. Improved documentation accuracy for RNs and supporting staff through rigorous review processes, contributing to higher quality care. Fostered collaboration in IDT meetings with staff and medical director, elevating patient care standards. Optimized communication and scheduling processes, ensuring timely responses among team members.
- Designed and applied patient-centered approaches in hospice care to ensure optimal symptom management and improve overall quality of life for those facing significant health challenges.
- Achieved on-time project delivery through adept management of team dynamics. Improved project efficiency by refining communication processes across departments. Delivered successful project outcomes by leveraging best practices in project management.
- Facilitated comprehensive care education and medication management strategies to support hospice patients and their families in achieving maximum comfort.
- Guided collaborative discussions among hospice staff to refine patient care approaches and optimize service delivery.
- Assessed emergency cases through triage care and developed personalized care plans aimed at achieving the best possible patient outcomes.
- Performed detailed evaluations and training sessions for new admissions, guaranteeing compliance with hospice coding protocols and insurance regulations.
- Coordinated interactions between hospice team medical director and hospital staff, ensuring clarity in GIP admissions and case management procedures.
- Achieved improved patient care practices through enhanced hospice care knowledge among hospital staff. Delivered extensive training on hospice qualifications and the differences between home hospice care and GIP care. Fostered a collaborative environment that promoted discussions on hospice services and their positive impact on patient outcomes.
Weekend On Call
Kindred Hospice
Daphne, AL
06.2018 - 01.2019
- Responded promptly to on-call requests, providing essential patient care and support.
- Coordinated care plans with interdisciplinary teams to address patient needs effectively.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients during weekend shifts to ensure quality service.
- Communicated clearly with families regarding care updates and treatment options.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate care during critical weekend hours.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama05.2005
Skills
- Team building and leadership
- Relationship development
- HomeCare HomeBase
- Axxess
- Optum
- BetterRx
- Focura
- Epic
- Microsoft Platforms
Certification
- BLS
- ACLS
- American Heart Association
- CHPN Certification in process
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BLS American Heart Association Instructor Certification
Timeline
Hospice Administrator
LIBERTY HOSPICE
02.2024 - Current
Supervisor of Clinical Operations/Director of Admissions
ATRIUM HOSPICE OF UNION COUNTY
03.2023 - 01.2024
Team Manager/Supervisor; Central Intake, Admissions and Hospital Liaison Teams
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE CHARLOTTE REGION
12.2021 - 08.2022
Admissions Coordinator, Case Manager, On Call
COMFORT CARE HOSPICE
01.2019 - 11.2021
Weekend On Call
Kindred Hospice
06.2018 - 01.2019
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Mobile
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mobile