POLST
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) is an important medical document and process used in healthcare settings to record and honor patients' end-of-life care wishes. It's different from a regular advance directive because it's an actual medical order that healthcare workers must follow. Think of it as a clear set of instructions that travels with patients between different healthcare settings (like from a nursing home to a hospital) to ensure their care preferences are respected. Some states might call it by slightly different names like MOLST (Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) or POST (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment), but they all serve the same purpose.
Examples in Resumes
Trained staff on proper completion and implementation of POLST forms
Coordinated with physicians to ensure accurate POLST documentation
Managed electronic health record system integration of POLST forms
Updated facility protocols to include MOLST/POLST guidelines
Typical job title: "Healthcare Workers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Healthcare Workers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a POLST program in a healthcare facility?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss creating training programs, establishing policies and procedures, coordinating with medical staff, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. They should also mention quality improvement measures and staff education strategies.
Q: How do you handle conflicts between POLST orders and family wishes?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of conflict resolution, understanding of legal requirements, and ability to balance patient autonomy with family concerns while maintaining professional boundaries and following facility protocols.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key differences between a POLST form and an Advance Directive?
Expected Answer: Should explain that POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, while Advance Directives are legal documents for future decisions. Should mention that POLST forms are for people with serious illness or frailty.
Q: How do you ensure POLST forms are properly completed and accessible when needed?
Expected Answer: Should discuss verification of proper signatures, regular review processes, proper storage/filing systems, and ensuring forms are readily available during transfers between facilities.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a POLST form and when is it used?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a medical order for seriously ill patients that specifies their wishes for end-of-life care, and that it follows patients across different healthcare settings.
Q: What are the main sections typically included in a POLST form?
Expected Answer: Should mention sections about resuscitation preferences, medical interventions, artificially administered nutrition, and must know it requires both healthcare provider and patient/representative signatures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of POLST forms
- Ability to locate and file POLST documents
- Knowledge of facility protocols
- Basic patient communication skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- POLST form completion assistance
- Staff training on POLST protocols
- Care coordination across facilities
- Family communication skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Program implementation and oversight
- Policy development
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Complex case management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unfamiliarity with state-specific POLST requirements
- Poor understanding of end-of-life care ethics
- Lack of experience with healthcare documentation
- Inability to explain difference between POLST and advance directives
Related Terms
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