POLST
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is an important medical document that helps healthcare workers provide appropriate end-of-life care according to a patient's wishes. It's like an advanced care plan, but more specific and immediately actionable. While similar to an advance directive, POLST is different because it's an actual medical order signed by a doctor that healthcare workers must follow. You might also see it called Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST), Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST), or Clinician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (COLST) in different states.
Examples in Resumes
Trained staff on proper documentation and implementation of POLST forms
Coordinated with physicians to ensure proper completion of POLST and MOLST documents
Developed facility-wide training program on Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment compliance
Typical job title: "POLST Program Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find POLST Program Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Job Resources
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a POLST program in a large healthcare facility?
Expected Answer: Should discuss staff training, documentation systems, communication with physicians, quality control measures, and compliance with state regulations. Should also mention experience with program management and staff education.
Q: How do you handle conflicts between family members regarding POLST decisions?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of conflict resolution, understanding of legal requirements, and experience in facilitating difficult conversations while maintaining professional boundaries and patient advocacy.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between a POLST form and an Advance Directive?
Expected Answer: Should explain that POLST is a medical order for current treatment signed by a doctor, while an Advance Directive is a legal document for future care. Should demonstrate understanding of when each is appropriate.
Q: How do you ensure POLST forms are properly completed and accessible when needed?
Expected Answer: Should discuss documentation procedures, storage systems, staff training, and methods for ensuring forms are readily available in emergencies.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a POLST form?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list main sections like CPR preferences, medical interventions, artificially administered nutrition, and explain that it must be signed by a healthcare provider.
Q: How do you verify if a POLST form is valid?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking for required signatures, dates, and completeness of the form. Should also know basic state requirements for POLST validity.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of POLST forms
- Document filing and retrieval
- Basic patient communication
- Understanding of medical terminology
Mid (2-5 years)
- Staff training on POLST compliance
- Family communication and education
- Healthcare documentation management
- Understanding of state regulations
Senior (5+ years)
- Program implementation and management
- Policy development
- Quality assurance
- Staff supervision and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of understanding about patient privacy laws
- Poor communication skills
- No knowledge of end-of-life care basics
- Unfamiliarity with healthcare documentation requirements
- Discomfort with end-of-life discussions
Related Terms
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