Palliative Care NP

FUNCTION:

Provides in home palliative care care through the evaluation and assessment of the health history, health promotion, diagnosing medical conditions and management of health problems by directing and developing the plan of care, prescribing medications or treatments, coordinating and collaborating with patients, families and other healthcare practitioners.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the Hospice Medical Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.      Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing and accredited Nurse Practitioner program.

2.      Master’s degree with a minimum of one (1) year Nurse Practitioner experience.

3.      One (1) year of hospice or palliative care experience preferred.

4.      Current licensure in South Carolina.

5.      Accreditation from an approved certifying body for advanced practice nursing as required by the State.

6.      Current CPR certification.

7.      Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

8.      Must have reliable transportation.

9.      Demonstrate the ability to be flexible and work independently. 

10.  Must be empathetic and have the ability to relate well to patients, families and members of the Hospice of the Upstate care team.

11.  Understands and embraces the hospice philosophy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

(These tasks are illustrative only; to carry out the day-to-day functions of the job, other duties may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or logical assignment to the position)

1.      Provides medical care, palliates and manages terminal illness in compliance with the state Nurse Practice Act under the supervision of the hospice medical director.

2.      Completes the hospice face to face visit requirements prior to the third and subsequent hospice benefit periods to assess hospice eligibility based on the hospice conditions of participation and the local coverage determinations.  Provides clinical information to the hospice medical director for interpretation for eligibility for hospice recertification.

3.      Completes history and physical examinations by evaluating the patient’s medical condition and health history, ordering and interpreting results from laboratory and diagnostic tests or procedures, diagnosing health conditions and documents the findings.

4.      Manages health conditions and terminal illnesses by prescribing medications and/or treatments, obtaining consultations or making referrals, and coordinating hospice care services.

5.      Makes recommendations to the hospice medical director regarding patient eligibility for certification and recertification for hospice care.

6.      Reviews clinical information, coordinates and oversees patient care in consultation with the hospice interdisciplinary team and other healthcare practitioners.

7.      Consults with the patient’s attending physician, the hospice medical director and other healthcare practitioners regarding the patient’s eligibility for hospice care, ongoing care needs, and medical management.

8.      Completes, maintains and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes, physical examination notes, assessment visit notes, medical orders and other collaboration notes.

9.      Educates and/or counsels patients, families and/or caregivers as to preventative care, medical problems, psychological problems, spiritual problems and end-of-life issues in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet the total needs of the patient.

10.  Works in cooperation with the hospice interdisciplinary group, patient and family/caregiver to identify the goals of care and meet the total needs of the patient.

11.  Attends and participates in hospice interdisciplinary group meetings.

12.  Meets competency requirements for discipline and role.

13.  Maintains expertise in and attends on-going educational programs.

14.  Maintains knowledge of and compliance with current Medicare, Medicaid, state and federal regulations for hospice services.

15.  Assists other departments with a spirit of team work and cooperativeness.

16.  Ensures the protection of patient and employee information by following the HIPAA-HITECH guidelines.

17.  Professionally represents the organization with credibility and dignity and in the spirit of excellence and trust.

18.  Demonstrates flexibility, strong organizational skills and works effectively and professionally under stress.

19.  Demonstrates and communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility as the face of Hospice.

20.  Assumes other duties as necessary.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Standard medical equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

May be required to climb steps, stoop, bend or lift up to 35 pounds. Must be able to stand for long periods of time.