Nurse Practitioner

Description

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, 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 chief clinical  officer 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, 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:  

§ Speech and hearing skills necessary for telephone interaction and face to face contact 

§ 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 

§ With assistance, ability to lift and support an average of 150 pounds 

§ 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