Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Hospice And Palliative Care Nurse

Works in collaboration with the physicians and team members to deliver hospice, palliative and health care services consistent with the hospice philosophy. The APRN must perform authorized functions within the framework of hospice protocol. The Vice President of Medical Services will direct the specific course of treatment within the established framework.

Qualifications

Holds a current unencumbered nursing license to practice professional nursing in the State of Florida.

Successful completion of the national advanced practice certification examination degree program required for initial licensure.

Must be Certified Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse (HPNA)(ACHPN) within 12 months.

Current CPR (BLS) for the health care provider.

Basic computer skills and EMR software experience preferred.

Minimum one year experience as an APRN preferred.

Knowledge of the scope of practice, legal implications to include statutes and regulations relevant to APRNs.

Advance knowledge of pharmacology, appropriate for hospice/palliative care.

Demonstrate written and verbal communications with the interdisciplinary team.

Maintain harmonious, professional relationships with members of the hospice palliative care team, as well as patients and families.

Knowledge of medication administration, side effects and calculation.

Knowledge of infection control.

Knowledge of the nursing process and its application, including assessment, diagnosis implementation and evaluation.

Complete and maintain nursing CE requirements for each license renewal period.

Attendance is a condition of employment

Exceptions

Provide program development strategies for Treasure Coast Hospice, in an organized, routine capacity that will enable the cohesion of team developments. Work collaboratively with other departments, demonstrate and encourage leadership for a comprehensive approach to program development. Inspire staff to live the Treasure Coast Hospice Mission, to achieve its Vision, and demonstrate our Values and Commitment. Be current in legal and compliance hospice issues.

To meet or exceed identifiable standards for the position.

Key Result Areas

Under the hospice physicians, provides comprehensive hospice and palliative care to patients and families in a variety of hospice settings dealing with end of life issues. Activities are carried out in accordance with the scope of practice and standards for Advanced Registered Nursing based on the Florida Board Nurse Practice Act. Demonstrates expertise in assessment, diagnosis and treatment as it relates to end of life issues and palliative care.

Conducts nursing assessments based on hospice protocol and guidelines. Identifies the physical, social and emotional needs of the patient and family. Collects comprehensive data relating to the hospice diagnosis. Performs focused bedside evaluation for the hospice patient. Initiate orders and interprets diagnostic tests and procedures relevant to the patient's diagnosis. Provide services related to palliative and end of life care.

Prescribes medications (non-scheduled) to the extent delegated by the scope of practice and the Vice President of Medical Services and based on the knowledge of pharmacological and physiological principles in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Orders treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated by the diagnosis. Consults and collaborates with the Vice President of Medical Services and other physicians to include the primary care physician. Adheres to the practice of confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines for patients and families.

Develops and implements a comprehensive plan of care that includes intervention and treatment based on the life expectancy and the diagnosis. Involves the patient, family and other members of the team including use of community resources in the plan of care. Delegates responsibilities to direct care staff commensurate with their skills and expertise. Systematically evaluates the quality effectiveness of the nursing practice.

Prepares and maintains accurate medical records, charts and documents to support the diagnosis. Complies with state laws and regulations with respect to hospice protocol and CMS guidelines for reimbursement.

Performs face to face evaluations for continuing and on-coming hospice patients and provides pertinent medical findings to the physician determining certification of terminal illness.

Performs other duties as directed by the Vice President of Medical Services.

Maintain a high level of urgency, customer consciousness and service excellence.

Participate as an active supporter of the Treasure Coast Hospice compliance program, including an emphasis to report, as well as complying with all Federal, State and Local laws as well as the organization's compliance program.

Fulfill all responsibilities related to the success of the strategic plan of the organization, as requested and assigned.

Osha Category

Position will be categorized as category III (involves no routine or potential exposure to blood, body fluids/tissues).

Working Conditions

Typing or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Sedentary – Exerting up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria met.

The work is required to have close visual acuity such as/preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Lifting – Frequent lifting up to 20 pounds.

Additional Information

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent may be required to perform emergency duty before, during and/or beyond normal work hours or days in the event of an emergency, crisis situation or disaster (man-made or natural) including evacuation sites. The person in the position will work in a smoke-free location, and is expected to adhere to all smoking restrictions.

EEO/Drug Free Workplace