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.

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 patients 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 patients 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 masters 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 drivers license