This position will work 30 hours per week and involve travel between New Hanover, Pender, and Onslow counties.

JOB SUMMARY

The Nurse Practitioner provides direct patient care assessments for the purpose of completing a face to face encounter as mandated by Medicare rule that requires every patient prior to recertification for 3rd benefit period and every benefit period thereafter, have a face to face assessment done by either a NP or physician. The NP is an employee of the hospice program. The patient population will reflect that specified by the nurse practitioner’s master’s degree. Is responsible for using expert skills in history taking, physical examination, initiation and interpretation of tests, analysis of data, and the implementation and evaluation of the hospice patient to present an accurate assessment of the current status of the patient. Clear documentation of this assessment is done and the findings presented to the hospice medical director assigned to that patient. Management of each patient also includes appropriately and effectively delegating patient care duties to other members of the team in order to assure optimal patient outcomes. Works with RN case manager, hospice physician and other healthcare team members in all settings. The Nurse Practitioner is also responsible for continuing his/her own personal development to enhance practice and the profession of Nursing. Performs other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Provides accurate assessments and documentation of patients who require a face to face encounter. This is done in conjunction with other team members and especially the RN case manager and hospice physician. Provides accurate, timely, educational, and appropriate exchange of information during IDT and collaborates with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to meet patient/family needs.

2. Provides appropriate and pertinent patient education to the patient/family according to the plan of care to facilitate optimal patient and family comfort and support in life limiting illness.

3. Appropriately documents and communicates all required information in accordance with agency policies and procedures, accreditation, regulation, and legal requirements. Ensures that the face to face encounter is done in a timely manner and findings communicated to the hospice physician prior to the IDT meeting where the patient will be recertified.

4. Works effectively with other health care professionals and is able to adapt to each environment by which we may see patients: skilled nursing, assisted living, home, and hospital.

5. Organizes and performs work effectively, efficiently, and productivity meets expectations.

6. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance program performance; is responsible for organizing, communicating with the patient/family the time of the visit and ensuring the face to face to is done within the 30 day time limit and prior to the team date where the patient will be recertified.

7. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with others.

8. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

9. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare on a daily basis.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, either through an AD, Diploma or BSN program. Graduate of a Masters degree in nursing program with a major or post-masters as a nurse practitioner. Certification in hospice/palliative care preferred (CHPN, ACHPN)

2. Licensure / Certifications: Current license to practice professional nursing in the State of North Carolina / South Carolina. Approval for practice as a nurse practitioner by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners.

3. Experience: Minimum of five years general medical experience in inpatient, outpatient and nursing home settings. Two years as a nurse practitioner preferred. Experience in an acute care setting desirable. Demonstrated competence in leadership and teaching. Demonstrated achievement and familiarity with administrative nursing techniques.

4. Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Good hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills when performing examination, providing treatments, injections, use computer, etc. Speaking clearly to communicate with patients, families, physicians and staff regarding patient’s condition and care. Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language. Working knowledge in the use of personal computer workstations and Microsoft Windows environment for delivering patient care to include placing orders for clinical services, reviewing results from clinical tests and documenting delivered care.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to deal with the public, co-workers, patients, guests, outside agencies and physicians in a professional manner. Ability to positively interact with patients, families, physicians and staff in order to effectively care for the patients. Competence at providing leadership and direction to supervisees. Strong interpersonal skills to manage working relationships with departmental leadership.

6. Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and/or maneuver objects weighing at least 45 pounds or less in the assessment and implementation of patient care. Requires pushing, moving, lifting of patients.

7. Essential Mental Abilities: Must be able to assess a patient’s condition, formulate a Plan of Care, implement appropriate interventions to meet patient/family outcomes. Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short and long-term memory. Strong problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.

8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Must be able to assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate Plan of Care. Utilize hearing to auscultate lung sounds, bowel sounds and effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and staff.

9. Exposure to Hazards: Frequent exposure to blood and body fluids, infectious diseases, needle puncture wounds. May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting. May encounter patients and other situations that present a potential threat to personal safety. May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10. Other - Hours of Work: This position will work 30 hours per week and involve travel between New Hanover, Pender, and Onslow counties.

11. Population Served: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare service area, internal and external.

12. Driving: May be required to drive. Must have reliable transportation. Will be subject to the Safe Driver Policy.