Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

JOB SUMMARY

The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner is a registered professional nurse with advanced graduate education and clinical training who provides comprehensive palliative care services across the continuum of illness, in compliance with the state Nurse Practice Act and under the supervision of a collaborating physician. The nurse practitioner will provide palliative care through the evaluation and assessment of health history, symptom management, goals of care conversations, and advance care planning, as well as diagnosing and managing complex medical conditions, directing and developing the plan of care, prescribing medications or treatments, and coordinating and collaborating with patients, families, and other healthcare practitioners. Under the supervision of the medical director, the nurse practitioner visits patients across care settings including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based environments, completes comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessments, and evaluates palliative care needs in consultation with the palliative care interdisciplinary team. The nurse practitioner draws from community resources to plan and direct services that address the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of individuals and families facing serious or life‑limiting illness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides palliative medical care, focusing on symptom management, comfort, and quality of life for patients with serious illness across all stages of disease, in compliance with the state Nurse Practice Act and under the supervision of a collaborating physician. Completes comprehensive history and physical examinations, evaluating the patient's medical condition, symptom burden, and functional status; may order and interpret results from laboratory and diagnostic tests or procedures; assesses & monitors palliative care needs and documents findings thoroughly in the patient's medical record. Conducts goals of care conversations and advance care planning discussions with patients and families, facilitating informed decision‑making regarding treatment options, prognosis, and care preferences in alignment with the patient's values and wishes. Reviews clinical information and coordinates patient care in consultation with the palliative care interdisciplinary team and other healthcare practitioners, ensuring seamless integration of palliative services within the broader care team. Implements evidence‑based palliative interventions to manage pain, dyspnea, nausea, anxiety, depression, and other distressing symptoms, ensuring patients receive individualized, compassionate care throughout the trajectory of illness. Provides palliative care consultations across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings; coordinates transitions of care and makes recommendations to the appropriate medical director or referring team regarding hospice eligibility, goals of care transitions, or changes in level of care as clinically indicated. Communicates and collaborates with the interdisciplinary palliative care team to create, review, and revise the patient's individualized plan of care, incorporating the patient's goals, values, cultural considerations, and family support needs. Actively attends and participates in palliative care interdisciplinary team meetings, contributing clinical expertise to collaborative case discussions and quality improvement initiatives. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and timely clinical notes, palliative care consultation notes, physical examination notes, symptom assessment visit notes, goals of care documentation, medical orders, collaboration notes, and other required documentation in the medical record. Assists patients, families, and caregivers with understanding the palliative care philosophy and available support services, providing education and emotional support to promote continuity and comfort across care settings. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and organizational regulations governing the provision of palliative care services, including payer‑specific requirements and accreditation standards. Complies with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements in accordance with federal, state, and organizational policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing and accredited Nurse Practitioner Program. Current nursing licensure in State and CPR certification. Master's degree with a minimum of (1) year Nurse Practitioner experience and a minimum of (1) year palliative care or hospice experience; experience in serious illness care, oncology, or geriatrics strongly preferred. Accreditation from an approved certifying body for advanced practice nursing as required by State. Certification in palliative care or a related specialty area strongly preferred; (e.g. Hospice and Palliative Nursing (CHPN), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN), Geriatrics, or Oncology). Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in difficult conversations such as goals of care discussions, prognosis disclosure, and family meetings; strong problem‑solving and nursing skills per competency checklist. #J-18808-Ljbffr Desert Valley Hospice and Palliative Care