Job Summary:

The Hospice Nurse Practitioner works in collaboration with the Medical Directors and Hospice Team to provide hospice care services to patients and families in a variety of patient care settings. The Nurse Practitioner will also perform procedures for which he or she is privileged to do and will document assessments, evaluations, consultation reports and progress notes. Home visits/evaluations, and inpatient evaluations will be part of the Nurse Practitioner’s role. All duties are performed with the collaboration of the Medical Directors or attending physicians. Orders, H/P reports, progress notes and other chart entries made by the Nurse Practitioner will be reviewed and cosigned by the Medical Directors according to policy. Successful outcomes of this position include high quality patient care provided in a compassionate, competent and caring manner; clinical program development; skill development for hospice clinical staff, regulatory compliance with proper documentation enhanced community relationships, program visibility; excellent staff and patient satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Ability to relate to people of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must demonstrate maturity, initiative tact and good judgement in dealing with staff, patients and families.
• Knowledge of medications and sterile techniques.
• Knowledge of and appropriate use of safety (personal protective) equipment.
• Strong teaching and leadership skills.
• Basic personal computer skills required. Clinical documentation experience preferred.
• All staff driving on agency business are required to have a valid driver’s license, reliable auto and current auto insurance.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification.
• Bloodborne Pathogens training
• Proof of TB screening.

Responsibilities:

• Performs clinical care which includes bedside evaluation of patients and patients’ histories; physical examinations; radiological and laboratory interpretations; follow-up inpatient care; discharge orders, patient instruction and education; and participation in case management.
• Provides services related to hospice and end of life care, assesses patient needs and anticipates services requirements prior to discharge to home. Coordinates with hospice social workers, case managers and applicable ancillary staff regarding hospice care services.
• Orders, performs and interprets laboratory and radiology tests.
• Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extend delegated and licensed. Order, treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated. Performs other therapeutic measures as indicated.
• Educates clinical staff, patients and families on applicable disease management and prevention strategies. Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
• Assists with the coordination of admissions and discharges as needed on selected patients.
• Works collaboratively with physicians and other health care providers to optimize patient care. Consults with Medical Director or designees as needed, informs primary physician of services. Provides written reports to primary physician upon request.
• Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support sound hospice practice and reimbursement for services provided. Assists in the development of clinical documentation protocols.
• Initiates reimbursement for services rendered and evaluations.
• Makes visits to hospice patients as delegated by the Medical Chief of Staff (or his or her designees) or Chief Operating Officer.
• As required by agency policy, reports both verbally and in writing significant changes in the patient’s condition. Changes are reported to the physician and other appropriate agency personnel. Consults with the clinical supervisor as necessary.
• Maintains regulatory compliance in all areas of position responsibilities. Has an excellent understanding of regulations and accreditation standards.
• Must demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the patient and family.
• Prepares concise, legible timely clinical notes, utilizing agency guidelines. Becomes trained on laptop charting.
• Maintains coordination with all other disciplines as needed for patient care.
• Provides appropriate resources in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate communication lines to problem solve personal and departmental issues.
• Is responsible for his/her continuing education, e.g. professional journals, attending seminars, workshops, assisting in presentation of in-service education and community education.
• Collects and assesses patient care data, develops and implements a plan of care, manages and evaluates outcome of care.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Supports the Agency’s mission and value performance standards.

Education/Experience:

• Current Nurse Practitioner License for South Carolina.
• Prefer a minimum of one year Nurse Practitioner experience.
• Previous hospice experience preferred.
• Graduate from NLN accredited school of nursing.
• Master degree in appropriate field of nursing.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.