Advanced Practice Nurse - Palliative Care

The Advance Practice Nurse provides timely and comprehensive symptom management services to palliative care patients.  The APN will collaborate with the community physicians to implement the plan of care for the patient.  The care provided shall be in compliance with regulations established by the Michigan/Ohio State Law and policies of Hospice of Northwest Ohio. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an approved Advance Practice Nurse Program.
• Current unrestricted license (APN and RN) to practice nursing in Ohio and Michigan.
• Clinical specialty in Adult, Family or Gerontological medicine. Maintains certification through required continuing education.
• Minimum of 3 - 4 years experience as an advance practice nurse; home health or hospice/palliative experience preferred.
• Has working experience charting in an EMR system, NetSmart system preferred.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile in good working condition and is insured in accordance with state and agency requirements.
• Must be CPR certified according to the American Heart Association CPR standards. 
• Competent in the skills and knowledge required to perform according to scope of practice; requires minimal supervision.
• Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates problem-solving skills and the ability to manage difficult situations effectively.
• Demonstrates the ability to gather and analyze information objectively.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Is able to assess and respond quickly in emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Initiates palliative care consultations and appropriate palliative treatment plans for patients in all settings. This may include history, physical examination, obtaining and interpreting health data, and recommending appropriate medications and routine and diagnostic studies.
• Evaluates and revises care plan per patient’s response. Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support sound medical practice and reimbursement for services provided.
• Utilizes approved references and procedure manuals when providing care.
• Collaborates and consults with the palliative care physician as needed and complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to standard care arrangement.
• Informs referring physician of services provided and treatments recommended and provides a written recommendation report to referring physician.
• Clearly communicates with patients, families and referring physicians.
• Treats patients/families with respect/compassion; involves patients/families in the care planning process; supports social/spiritual/cultural needs of others; ensures family and patient confidentiality.
• Assists with determination of palliative care eligibility and end-of-life care options.
• Participates on a Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Team.
• Provides support to the hospice program by performing clinical visits on hospice patients as assigned.
• Assists in the development of Palliative Care clinical policies and procedures as needed.
• Initiates reimbursement for services rendered.
• On a rotating basis participates in night and weekend call, which would include performing consultations in the hospital.
• Participates in community educational functions and provides training and continuing education for staff, medical residents and students.
• Responsible for learning and utilizing technology made available by the agency to increase efficiency, communication and performance of duties.
• Participates in monthly record review as requested.
• Participates in the agency’s Quality Improvement program.
• Attends staff meetings and completes all mandatory training.
• Holds in strictest confidence all patient information and discloses information and data only to persons authorized by Hospice.
• Performs other duties as assigned.