Nurse Practitioner Hospice

The Hospice Nurse Practitioner provides consultation in palliative care, symptom management and supportive care to meet the needs of the Hospice patient as requested by the referring physician. Facilitates clarification of patient and family goals of care. Assists with diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic health conditions. Consults with the Hospice Medical Director as needed, informs primary physician of recommended services and collaborates with other physicians as needed. Educates facility staff, co-workers and the community on all aspects of Hospice and Palliative care and the services provided. Consults with the referring physician, the Hospice team and other involved providers to contribute to the patients plan of care. Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support the medical practice and reimbursement for services provided. Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed and after collaboration with Hospice care and referring physician. Orders diagnostics / treatments as needed after collaboration with Hospice care and referring physicians. Assists in development of clinical practice guidelines / standards in support of quality palliative care as requested by supervisor.

• Makes face-to-face encounter visits within prescribed time limits to qualifying Hospice patients and reports clinical findings to the Hospice Medical Director
• Consults with the Hospice Medical Director as needed, informs primary physician of recommended services and collaborates with other physicians as needed.
• Initiates and coordinates the plan of care. Documents problems, appropriate goals, interventions and patient/family response to hospice care. Collaborates with the patient/family, attending physician and other members of the IDG in providing patient and family care.
• Instructs and supervises the patient/family in self-care techniques when appropriate.
• Maintains accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding the patient's condition. Reports patient condition and any identified needs/issues to Administrator and Hospice Medical Director.
• Can supervise and evaluate the home health aides/homemaker's ability to perform assigned duties.
• Orders diagnostics/treatments as needed after collaboration with Hospice care and referring physicians.
• Participates in LHC Connect and completes all required assigned educational modules on-line.
• Educates facility staff, co-workers and the community on all aspects of Hospice & Palliative care and the services provided.
• Participates in Interdisciplinary Group Meeting (IDG) regarding patient care.
• Participates in the QAPI plan and process.
• Assists in development of clinical practice guidelines/standards in support of quality palliative and hospice care as requested by supervisor.
• Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed and after collaboration with Hospice care team and referring physician.
• Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support the medical practice and reimbursement for services provided.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of five years nursing experience; clinical nursing care in oncology, hospice, geriatrics, intensive care preferred.

License Requirements

• Current certification as a clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner in the state of practice.
• Current certification by a national body such as ANCC, NBCHPN, or AANP.
• Current driver's license and vehicle insurance, access to a dependable vehicle or public transportation.
• Current CPR certification required.

Additional State Specific Requirements

• OH: For clinical nurse specialists with a master’s degree with a major in a clinical area of nursing from an institution accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization on or before December 31, 2000, certification is not required.
• AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WV: No additional state specific requirements.

License Desired

• Palliative Care ARNP preferred.

Skill Requirements

• Knowledgeable regarding the interdisciplinary team concept.