Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Hospitalist

Under the supervision and direction of the collaborating physician(s), the Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Hospitalist functions in an Advanced Practice role, developing, implementing and evaluating care plans for adult patients with multiple or complex palliative medicine needs in a variety of primary, acute and long-term settings, providing high quality, efficient and cost effective patient care in accordance with the State of Indiana Rules and Regulations as defined in the Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Act.  Knowledge of pharmacology frequently prescribed as supportive medications in the management of distressing symptoms. Understanding the disease process, including course and prognosis of chronic illnesses, and life-limiting medical conditions. Functions as an extension of the physician in diagnosing and treating patient conditions by performing tasks or combination of tasks traditionally performed by the physician.

Responsibilities include:

• Provides expert clinical consultation and care regarding palliative care and/or end of life care to patient, families, staff and community; especially related to symptom management using approved standardized protocols.
• Receives referrals and conducts appropriate assessments. Prioritizes palliative care consults.
• Functions as the leader of a consultative interdisciplinary work team and/ or in a consultative role.
• Assembles and coordinates team members as appropriate and facilitates the integration of the palliative care consultation team.
• Develops, negotiates and advances the plan of care specific to palliative care and/or end of life care issues.
• Monitors and evaluates care plan as necessary.
• Advocates for change where systemic barriers or gaps in palliative care exist.
• Coordinates regular provider and staff meetings to ensure achievement of program objectives and goals.
• Facilitates team and family conferences.
• Educates and counsels patients and families about the disease process, symptom management and care choices. Works with families to coordinate the provision of palliative care.
• Provides grief counseling/end of life discussions as appropriate.
• Serves as an ambassador to the community for Hospitalist and Palliative Care program.
• Ensures physician, staff and leadership knowledge of the Palliative Care Program.
• Works with case management in managing and tracking provider engagement, readmissions data and emergency room visits for palliative care patients.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, the transition of patients from the inpatient setting to the outpatient setting for continuity of care.

• Master's degree in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) doctoral degree.
• Current Registered Nurse Indiana license.
• Certified as a nurse practitioner by a recognized national certifying body that has established standards for nurse practitioners.
• Meets all requirements to bill Medicare as stated in 42 CFR §410.75(b) of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Minimum of two years Nurse Practitioner experience in a hospital or practice setting.
• CPR certification or must obtain at next available class upon hire.  Other advance life support may be required by unit/department specialty according to patient care policies.
• Palliative Care Certification (ACHPN) will be required within three (3) years of employment.

• Hospitalist and Palliative care experience.

• Professional level of knowledge of the disease process, including course and prognosis of chronic illnesses, and life-limiting medical conditions, and understanding of the emotional, social, and physical needs of the palliative medicine patient and their families.
• Mathematical calculations and medication preparation and administration.
• A professional level of knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid and other managed care regulations.
• Ability to read, write, and follow directions. 
• Excellent communication skills to effectively and tactfully communicate with patients and their families and guests, co-workers, managers, providers and other hospital personnel on a one-to-one basis using appropriate grammar, vocabulary and word usage. 
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to carry out duties in a professional manner, as well as the ability to work well under stress.
• Developed computer skills and the ability to learn and proficiently perform patient care applications, echarting, email and other standards applications related to the department operations and job function.
• Strong customer service skills, with special emphasis on patient centered care. 
• Ability to promote compassion and a therapeutic environment. 
• Ability to provide clinical reasoning; decision-making and critical thinking.
• Ability to use independent judgement and discretion. 
• Ability to analytically evaluate problem situations in-depth and come to independent, appropriate conclusions. Requires the ability to be discreet and protect the integrity of any confidential matter or information encountered during the performance of job duties. 
• Ability to manage multiple issues simultaneously and appropriately prioritize based on patient needs. 
• Basic working understanding of concepts of infection control principles to prevent the spread of infection to patients, self and others.
• Ability to react appropriately in any environment or situation.
• General awareness and understanding of legal implication of patient care activities and self-performance while performing job duties. 
• Ability to be discreet and protect the integrity of any confidential matter or information encountered during the performance of job duties.

• Typical hospital clinical environment with frequent standing and walking. 
• Work may be subject to interruptions and occasional high stress levels. 
• Risk for occupational exposure to blood, body fluid and other potentially infectious, electrical and radiation hazards. 
• Works with protected health information. 
• Works in close proximity to patients and visitors. 
• Ability to work any shift, occasional extended hours, holidays and/or weekends based on the needs of the department.

• Standing, walking, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling to provide patient care and to utilize patient care devices necessary to perform duties in a safe manner. 
• Use of computers and other standard office equipment. 
• Lifting supplies and equipment typically found in clinical patient care areas. 
• Operating equipment typically found in patient rooms.