• Facilitate clarification of patient and family goals of care.
• Facilitate access to appropriate support models of care (i.e., hospice, rehabilitation, on-going aggressive treatment).
• Assist with diagnosis, treatment and management of acute and chronic health conditions.
• Educate facility staff, co-workers and the community on all aspects of palliative care and the services provided by VITAS Palliative Care.
• Attend, participate, and lead (when applicable) internal VITAS Palliative Care’s team meetings.
• Consult with the referring physician, the acute care team and other involved providers to contribute to the patient’s plan of care.
• Prepare and maintain accurate patient records, charts and documents to support the medical practice and reimbursement for services provided.
• Prescribe medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed and after collaboration with palliative care and referring physician.
• Order diagnostics / treatments as needed after collaboration with palliative care and referring physicians.
• Interpret, evaluate and communicate diagnostic findings to the appropriate parties.
• Collaborate with and supervise palliative care team members, when applicable.
• Assist in development of clinical practice guidelines / standards in support of quality palliative care as requested by supervisor.
• Utilize a customer service approach in all interactions with VITAS customers.
• Adhere to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
• Participate in on-call rotation as needed.
• Other duties as requested by supervisor.

Experience:

• Minimum five years nursing experience; clinical nursing care in oncology, hospice, geriatrics, intensive care preferred.
• Knowledge of the interdisciplinary team concept.
• Experience in patient education, care planning and management of pain and other symptoms for patients with advanced, serious illness is desired.
• Ability to communicate tactfully, verbally and in writing with department heads, managers, coworkers and vendors to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
• Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and the ability to navigate within an automated system as well as a variety of software packages such as Outlook, Excel and Word.

Education: 

Certification & Licensure:

• Licensed to practice in state; certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Practitioner.
• Certification by a national body (ANCC, AANP). ACHPN certification from the Hospice Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) preferred.
• DEA license.
• Reliable transportation, current state driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

• EOE/AA M/F/D/V