Hospice and Palliative Nurse Practitioner - Hospice of Santa Cruz County

Schedule: Tues - Friday .8 FTE

The Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner works in collaboration with the Medical Director, Chief Clinical Officer, Hospice and Palliative Teams to provide services to patients and families in a variety of patient care settings. The Nurse Practitioner will also perform procedures within their scope and will document assessments, evaluations, consultation reports and progress notes. Home visits, evaluations including telehealth, and inpatient evaluations will be part of the Nurse Practitioners role. All duties are performed with the collaboration of the Medical Director, Hospice Physcians and/or attending physicians. Orders, H/P reports, progress notes and other chart entries made by the Nurse Practitioner will be reviewed by the Medical Director. Successful outcomes of this position include high quality patient care provided in a compassionate, competent and caring manner; clinical program development; skill development for Hospice/Palliative clinical staff, regulatory compliance with accurate documentation, enhanced community relationships, program visibility; excellent team approach, collaboration with staff and patient satisfaction.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs clinical care which includes bedside and/or telehealth evaluation of patients, patients' histories; physical examinations; radiological and laboratory interpretations; follow-up inpatient care; discharge orders, patient instructions and education; participation in case management; and pain and symptom management in coordination with RNCM, Hospice Physicians and Primary Care Provider (PCP).
• Provides timely services related to transitions in care such as moving from one setting of care to another (e.g. Hospital to Home; SNF to Home). Assesses patient needs, medication reconciliation, family communication and collaboration with community PCPs. Coordinates with hospice/palliative care social workers, nurse case managers and applicable ancillary staff regarding hospice and palliative care services.
• Comfortable and confident in Advanced Care Planning and Goals of Care conversations.
• May assume the role of the attending physician as defined by the Medicare Hospice Benefit and HSCC P&P # 3.27.
• Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory and radiology tests in Hospice.
• Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed. Orders, treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated. Performs other therapeutic measures as indicated.
• Educates clinical staff, patients and families on applicable disease management and prevention strategies. Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
• Assists with the coordination of admissions and discharges as needed on selected patients.
• Works collaboratively with physicians, and other health care providers to optimize patient care. Consults with Medical Director or designees as needed, informs PCP of services. Provides written reports to PCP upon request.
• Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support sound hospice and palliative care practice and reimbursement for services provided. Assists in the development of clinical documentation protocols. Completes documentation in a timely manner to submit and comply with Medicare billing practices.
• Makes visits to hospice and palliative care patients as delegated by the Chief Medical Officer (or his or her designees) or Chief Clinical Officer.
• As required by agency policy, reports both verbally and in writing significant changes in the patient's condition. Changes are reported to the hospice physician and other appropriate agency personnel. Consults with the clinical supervisor as necessary.
• Maintains regulatory compliance in all areas of position responsibilities. Has an excellent understanding of regulations and accreditation standards.
• Must demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the patient and family. Openminded to unique situations related to the patients/family's lifestyle, home environment, and wishes.
• Prepares concise, legible timely clinical notes, utilizing agency guidelines. Maintains coordination with all other disciplines as needed for patient care.
• Provides appropriate resources in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Utilizes appropriate communication lines to problem solve personal and departmental issues.
• Is responsible for his/her continuing education, e.g.. professional journals, attending seminars, workshops, assisting in presentation of inservice education and community education.
• Collects and assesses patient care data, develops and implements a plan of care, manages and evaluates outcome of care.
• Performs other duties as required.
• Supports the Agency's Mission and Value Performance Standards.

REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• Abililty to relate to people of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must demonstrate maturity, initiative, tact and good judgement in dealing with staff, patient and families.
• Knowledge of medications and sterile techniques.
• Knowledge of and appropriate use of safety (personal protective) equipment.
• Strong teaching and leadership skills.
• Basic personal computer skills required. Clinical documentation experience
• All staff driving on agency business are required to have a valid drivers's license, reliable auto, and current auto insurance.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Credentialed through Medicare with ability to bill for services
• Current knowledge of applicable Palliative Care billing codes and practices

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Current Nurse Practitioner License for California.
• Prefer a minimum one year Nurse Practitioner experience.
• Current DEA licences
• Previous Hospice and/or Palliative Care experience preferred.
• Graduate from NLN accredited school of Nursing.
• Master degree in appropriate field of nursing.

Working Environment:

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer
• Makes patient visits in SNFs, RCFEs and Home settings.
• Potential travel in inclement weather.

Position Physical Demands: Driving or riding in a motor vehicle, standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching. Job may include sitting, standing, bending, stretching, stooping, walking, lifting 20 - 30 lbs and repetitive hand motion associated with keyboarding.