Nurse Practitioner

The nurse practitioner helps patients living with a serious illness maintain their maximum level of comfort and coping by providing consultation in palliative medicine. The nurse practitioner is skilled in symptom management, collaboration, education and strives to decrease barriers to ensure every patient receives the right care at the right time.


Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:


• Provide palliative medicine to patients in a variety of settings


• Perform palliative medicine consults utilizing strong assessment and evaluation skills


• Collaborate with the patient's physician, other health care team members, the patient and family to develop realistic care expectations based on goals of care


• Facilitate patient and family decision-making regarding treatment decisions


• Recommend pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate symptoms


• Monitor patient's responses to treatment modalities and revise plan as needed


• Communicate effectively with patients and families to promote understanding of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options


• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with providers, staff and community organizations to increase awareness and promote a meaningful partnership in care


• Prescribe medications, as needed, to the extent delegated and licensed


• Order treatments and durable medical equipment as needed


• Participates in IDG meetings, reflective learning and collaborative meetings


• Complete advance care documents as requested


• Mentor and train staff as requested


• Provide support to hospice staff as requested


• Attend facility meetings as appropriate


• Document all patient interactions in the electronic health record


• Complete accurate billing and coding activities for patient encounters according to guidelines


• Complete hospice care screenings and admission visits, as requested


• Serve as consultant to hospice staff and volunteers regarding clinical care issues


• Serve as a liaison to attending health care providers for consultation on medical management and resolution of conflicts over appropriate care to be prescribed and delivered under the professional and financial responsibility of the hospice program


• Assist clinical leaders or designee in determining initial and ongoing patient medical eligibility for patient care units and home care program


• Be available to take 24-hour call under direction of the hospice physician


• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:


• Knowledge of and commitment to the hospice philosophy of care


• Knowledge of computer systems and software used


• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations, standards and guidelines of accrediting bodies, organization policies and procedures


• Knowledge of medical and professional nursing ethics and privacy rights


• Knowledge of medical terminology, illness and disease management, medication management and advance care planning


• Demonstrated skills in teaching, educating, problem-solving and critical thinking


• Demonstrated skills in communication and effective interaction with others


• Ability to anticipate, assess, plan for and manage physical, psychosocial and quality of life needs of the patent and family, and provide appropriate support, comfort and reassurance


• Ability to work with patients/families regardless of race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation. Must respect their beliefs and philosophy with an attitude of openness and receptiveness.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule, if needed


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


Education:


• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a master's degree in nursing


Experience:


• Minimum 2-3 years' nursing experience required


• Hospice and palliative care experience strongly preferred


Licensures & Certifications: (if applicable):


• Current NC license as a family nurse practitioner required


• CPR certification


PHYSICAL DEMANDS:


• Visual acuity to read chart and health care providers' orders


• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time


• Manual dexterity to establish IV sites, manipulate tubing and other patient care supplies


• Ability to sit as required to perform duties


• Ability to pull/push, and bend frequently


• Ability to squat, kneel, climb and balance

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:


• Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver's license