NP - Palliative Care

Nurse Practitioner Medical Specialty

Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.

Our core values are:

• We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
• We never settle by constantly striving for better.
• We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
• We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.

Compensation based on experience.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:

• Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
• 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
• Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.

Job Summary

The Nurse Practitioner Medical Specialty is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider. They provide direct patient care and have prescriptive authority. They are credentialed, privileged, and billed as independent providers by Medicare and Medicaid. The Advanced Practice Provider offers medical care based on the supervising physician's scope of practice.

This role focuses on inpatient palliative care, supporting patients with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses. The Nurse Practitioner works within hospital settings to provide symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, and care coordination. This position partners closely with physicians, hospitalists, specialists, nursing staff, case management, and hospice teams to ensure patient-centered, goal-concordant care throughout hospitalization.

Essential Functions of the Role

Assesses the physical and mental condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories.

Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess patient problems and health care needs.

Prescribes or recommends medical drug therapies or other therapeutic treatments. Performs procedures following approved protocols, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost. Recommends interventions to change behavior linked to health risks.

Formulates and implements patient treatment plans based on assessments, evidence-based medicine, and standards of care. Works with physicians and team members when needed. Evaluates patient's response to care and its effectiveness.

Counsels patients and families on medical processes, illness management, medication, nutrition, and health promotion. Counsels patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with food supplements, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies.

Maintains appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes. Initiates timely consultation and referral when the problem exceeds scope of practice or expertise.

Provides consultation level services for conditions/problems related to the Provider's specialty and training.

Manages patients in a healthcare setting(s) other than primary clinic setting, with a strong focus on inpatient hospital care, including:

• Conducting palliative care consultations for hospitalized patients with serious illness
• Leading goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and code status conversations
• Managing complex symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, delirium, nausea, and anxiety
• Collaborating with hospitalists, intensivists, and specialty teams (e.g., oncology, cardiology, ICU)
• Facilitating transitions of care, including discharge planning, hospice referrals, and coordination with post-acute services
• Supporting patients and families through end-of-life decision-making and care
• Participating in interdisciplinary rounds and family meetings
• Addressing ethical considerations and supporting shared decision-making

Performs invasive procedures specific to scope of practice and proficiency of the provider as delegated by supervising Physician.

May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on coverage needs of the department.

Key Success Factors

Knowledge of information and techniques is needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Knowledge of palliative care principles, including symptom control, end-of-life care, and goals-of-care alignment.

Knowledge of values, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in conducting sensitive and complex conversations.

Interpersonal skills with the ability to support patients and families during emotionally challenging situations.

Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills in managing medically complex patients.

Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.

Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes-based patient treatment plans.

Ability to counsel patients concerning medical and psychological/psychiatric conditions, treatment plans, and behavior modification.

Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory and other diagnostic tests.

Qualifications

• Texas RN licensure or RN licensure with compact privilege from a state in the Nurse Licensure Compact for RNs and LVNs, and Texas APRN
• Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of Texas open to FNP, AGACNP or AGPCNP
• Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer
• Certification from an accredited board as an APRN for the patient population of focus required
• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program
• Experience in palliative care, hospice, oncology, critical care, or hospital medicine preferred

Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued, and supported.