About the position
The Hospice Nurse Practitioner - Exempt is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Nurse Practitioner, if providing palliative care, cares for patients facing chronic, complex, and/or life-threatening conditions at various locations within the flow of patient care. S/he provides assessments, disease and treatment education, and symptom management to meet the needs of palliative care patients and their families. The Hospice Nurse Practitioner helps the patient and family maintain their maximum level of comfort and coping. S/he provides care and support in collaboration with the PCP and specialists; and ensures compliance with practice standards and codes. S/he must collaborate appropriately with the assigned Compassus Medical Director. The Hospice Nurse Practitioner, if providing hospice care, functions as an extension of the medical director for the assigned interdisciplinary team (IDT) and hospice physician to provide routine recertification and emergency assessments, educational, and evaluative services to meet the needs of patients and their families. S/he helps the patient and family maintain their maximum level of comfort and coping. S/he may be required to provide both on call support and after-hours emergency visits and/or admissions.
Responsibilities
- Performs routine and emergency assessments.
- Completes routine and emergency recertification visits on each patient entering their 3rd benefit period or beyond.
- Records observations, treatments, and other pertinent information.
- Communicates with Medical Director, Attending Physician, DCS and IDT regarding findings from the visits.
- Provides physical and emotional care to support the patient and family in period of crisis.
- Acts as the attending practitioner for patients who select them at admission.
- Rotates into on call schedule when required with physician backup for admission certification.
- Prevents unwarranted hospitalizations by meeting patient and family needs in the home.
- Performs bedside palliative care patient/family evaluation in the patient's place of residence.
- Assists with diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic health conditions.
- Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory and radiology tests within scope of professional practice.
- Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed.
- Orders treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated.
- Performs other therapeutic or corrective measures as indicated.
- Consults with palliative care physician or designees as needed.
- Assists in all facets of care coordination for palliative care referrals.
- Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts, and documents.
- Complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to Collaborative Agreements.
- Initiates reimbursement for services rendered.
- Assists patients and families with goal setting related to treatment options and advanced care planning.
- Provides training and continuing education for staff.
- Assists in development of clinical practice guidelines/standards.
- Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
- Completes and submits all required paperwork within 24 hours of visit completion.
- Educates patient and caregiver regarding care of patient, disease process, dying process, symptom control, and wound care.
- Supervises nurse trainees, including graduate and advance practice nurses in field placements.
Requirements
- Master's degree in Nursing required.
- Minimum of three (3) years nursing practice or equivalent experience required for Hospice Care.
- Minimum of three (3) years nursing experience required for Palliative Care.
- Clinical nursing care in oncology, hospice, geriatrics, intensive care preferred.
Nice-to-haves
- Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care preferred.
Benefits
- Competitive pay.
- Flexible time off.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Wellness programs designed for your well-being.
