Hospice Nurse Practitioner

Job Summary:

The Hospice Nurse Practitioner provides advanced nursing care and treatment to hospice patients in collaboration with the Medical Director and interdisciplinary group (IDG). This position conducts comprehensive assessments, manages pain and symptoms, supports patient and family goals of care, and ensures all care aligns with hospice philosophy, regulatory standards, and agency policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care & Clinical Management (40%)

• Provide comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and treatment for hospice patients in collaboration with the Medical Director.
• Conduct face-to-face visits to determine and document ongoing hospice eligibility.
• Develop and adjust individualized plans of care based on ongoing assessments.
• Manage pain and symptoms using current best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
• Provide direct care and education to patients, families, and caregivers to enhance comfort and quality of life.

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration (20%)

• Participate as an active member of the IDG, ensuring coordination of patient care across all disciplines.
• Communicate regularly with the Medical Director, nursing staff, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers regarding patient status and care needs.
• Attend and contribute to IDG meetings, case reviews, and quality improvement discussions.

3. Documentation & Compliance (15%)

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Ensure all documentation meets regulatory and hospice requirements.
• Document face-to-face encounters, plan of care updates, medication changes, and clinical decisions accurately.
• Assist with quality assurance activities and compliance audits as assigned.

4. Education & Support (10%)

• Counsel patients, families, and caregivers regarding disease processes, end-of-life care, and symptom management.
• Provide professional guidance and support to clinical staff regarding palliative and hospice care best practices.
• Assist with community and professional education as needed to promote understanding of hospice care.

5. Compliance and Training (10%)

• Follow all HIPAA privacy regulations, maintaining confidentiality for residents and staff.
• Attend all mandatory in-services, meetings, and training sessions.
• Provide exceptional customer service through compassionate and empathetic care to patients and families.

6. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Nursing and graduation from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
• Licensure: Current and active Nurse Practitioner license in the State of South Carolina. Must possess and maintain current CPR certification.
• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of nursing experience; two (2) years of hospice, palliative, or geriatric care preferred.
• Skills: Strong clinical and patient care skills. Ability to manage all aspects of terminal care with expertise in pain and symptom management and hospice nursing. Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) systems and office software. Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to providing high-quality patient care.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, turn, move, and transport patients using proper body mechanics and lifting devices as needed.
• Capacity to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and physical activities, such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Work is performed in a healthcare setting with potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and chemicals.
• Flexibility to meet patient needs necessary.  Some evening, night, early morning, holiday and weekend hours may be required.
•  Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.  Must be able to travel throughout the service area.