The Hospice Advanced Practice Nurse provides comprehensive medical care to patients with terminal illnesses, focusing on pain and symptom management, emotional support, and improving quality of life. This position provides direct medical care as well as clinical direction and guidance to the hospice program and clinical staff to assure continuity of quality care and treatment of patients, and consults and collaborates with the patients’ attending physicians, in collaboration with the Northern Illinois Hospice Medical Director.

Responsibilities:

• Provides medical care, palliates and manages terminal illness in compliance with the state Nurse Practice Act under the supervision of Northern Illinois Hospice Medical Director.
• Fulfills the role of the primary care physician for the purpose of the hospice plan of care and admission when needed.
• Provides clinical direction and guidance to clinical supervisors and staff regarding the hospice program to foster the highest standards for quality and safety.
• Works in cooperation with the patient/family/caregiver and Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) to identify goals of care and to meet the needs of the patient and family/caregiver related to pain & symptom management.
• Educates patients, families and/or caregivers as to hospice care, symptom management, psychological management, and assists in addressing spiritual needs in collaboration with the IDG team to meet the total needs of the hospice patient.
• Interacts with the primary care provider and consulting physicians as necessary regarding pain and symptom management issues, patient prognosis, and hospice interventions in collaboration with the Northern Illinois Hospice Medical Director.

Education:

• Master’s degree in Nursing
• Current licensure as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the State of Illinois.
• Current Illinois Controlled Substance license and DEA license.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years Advanced Practice Nurse experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of hospice or palliative care preferred.
• Home care experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse preferred.
• Certification in a specialist area preferred (e.g. Hospice and Palliative Nursing or Geriatrics) or achieved within first two years of employment.
• Joint Commission accreditation experience preferred.
• CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance coverage.