Certified Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care

Newton-Wellesley Hospital (NWH) is a comprehensive medical center located in Newton. We provide the services and expertise of a major medical facility with the convenience and personal attention of a community hospital. Our team is committed to delivering high-quality, safe, efficient medical care to each of our patients. We are a proud member of Mass General Brigham, a network founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Our affiliation allows us to provide our patients with access to the best community-based medicine and the most advanced specialty care in the world. Our continued goal at Newton-Wellesley Hospital is to meet our patients' (and their families'!) health care needs and build long-term relationships that provide them with exceptional care and service.
NWH offers comprehensive palliative care services to support patients with serious illnesses and their families, focusing on symptom management, emotional support, and care coordination. NWH's Division of Palliative Care provides specialized medical care for patients with serious illnesses including cancer, dementia, congestive heart failure, COPD, and end stage renal disease. The goal is to help patients live well while undergoing treatment, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs to improve quality of life and support informed decision-making. On the in-patient side, these services are available to patients through consultations by a multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurse practitioners, social worker, and a chaplain. The team reviews medical records, triages consults, collaborates with other healthcare providers, and meets with patients and families to create patient-centered care plans with a focus on symptom management and serious illness conversations or goals of care.
We are seeking a part-time, 20-hour Nurse Practitioner to join our in-patient Palliative Care team to assist with triaging consults and independently performing inpatient consults and follow ups. We are located on the NWH Main Campus at 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462. The Nurse Practitioner will be scheduled for two in-person ten-hour shifts per week (8:00am-6:00pm) on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Summary
The Nurse Practitioner administers care in conjunction with the Medical Director of Occupational Health Services (OHS) within the scope of hospital policies and procedures, Departmental Clinical Practice Guidelines, and Massachusetts State regulations and standards of practice issued by The American Nurses Association and other professional organizations. The Nurse Practitioner practices under the medical supervision of the Medical Director of the OHS
and/or designated physicians. Collaborates/cooperates with nursing staff and other hospital and health care disciplines for the promotion of health to the optimal level of wellness for patients, families, and the community.
The Nurse Practitioner's area of practice includes:
Assessing the health status of individuals and families by obtaining health and medical histories, performing physical examinations, diagnosing health and developmental problems, and caring for patients suffering from acute and chronic disease by managing therapeutic regimes according to guidelines approved and developed in compliance with 244 CMR 4.22 and, such other additional professional activities as authorized by the guidelines under which a Nurse Practitioner practices.
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions
-Practices in accordance with Adult Nurse Practitioner practice guidelines.
-Practices under the medical direction and supervision of the OHS Medical Director and/or designated physicians.
-Practices in accordance with written Clinical Practice Guidelines approved by the Medical Director of the OHS.
-Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates treatment.
-Consults with the OHS Medical Director or designee when practice is not supported by a written protocol.
-Documents the recommendations of the consultation, including the name of the physician consulted.
-Issues written prescriptions and orders tests and therapeutics pursuant to guidelines mutually developed and agreed upon by the Nurse Practitioner and supervising physician. (See Policy Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner Practice Guidelines for specific details.).
-Requests the supervising physician to review his/her prescribing practice at least quarterly.
-Conducts own monthly review to ensure practice is in accordance with practice guidelines.
-Respects patient privacy and ensures confidentiality.
-Collaborates with other departments and disciplines to ensure optimal care.
-Participates in the review and up-dating of clinical practice guidelines and department policies.
-Conducts preplacement physical examinations to ensure appropriate job placement of employees in accordance with the essential job functions and the ADA guidelines.
-Provide episodic health care to employees with illnesses or injuries.
-Identifies work or life stresses with the employee.
-Counsels employees within the scope of nurse practitioner practice and experience.
-Provides the appropriate referrals to managers, Human Resources, the Employee Assistance Program, community resources, etc.
-Manages and evaluates employees with work-related injuries.
-Communicates the employee's progress to supervisor/manager.
-Refers the employee to other providers as necessary to aid in recovery.
-Acts as a liaison between management and employees to ensure appropriate care and timely return to work.
-Communicates information as necessary to the Human Resources department and the claims service company to ensure proper reporting of information to the Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board.
-Makes recommendations to manager/supervisor regarding modified duty and plans for return to work.
-Implements programs and distributes informational pamphlets/brochures to increase employee awareness of wellness and safety.
-Provides employees with appropriate referrals to other providers or the Emergency Department.

Education

Master's Degree Nursing required

Other Certificate/Diploma Nursing required

Bachelor's Degree Nursing preferred

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Licenses and Credentials
Nurse Practitioner [NP] / Advanced Practice Registered Nurse [APRN] in the state of MA required

Experience
3 years clinical experience with occupational emphasis 3-5 years required Minimum 1 year management/administrative experience in a health care setting 1-2 years required

Additional experience required, if any, by specialty 0-1 year preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of the special needs and behaviors of infant, child, adolescent, adult, and older adult patients.
- Activities include patient care responsibilities with possible exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials such as blood and body fluids.

• Minimum of 2 years of recent experience (within the past 5 years) in palliative or hospice care

• Previous experience in ICU or oncology preferred

• Must be a highly autonomous, high-functioning Nurse Practitioner.

• ACHPN preferred, otherwise must be obtained within 1-2 years of employment

Newton-Wellesley Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.