Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin at SHARON S RICHARDSON HOSPICE

The Nurse Practitioner works in collaboration with the Medical Director, primary care provider, and the hospice and palliative care teams to provide hospice and palliative care services to patients and families in a variety of settings. Duties will be performed to assist patients and families with navigating the health care system, to foster seamless care, and to maximize quality of life for patients and their family. The NP will perform procedures for which s/he is privileged to do and will document assessments, evaluations, consultation reports and progress notes through home and inpatient visits. 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 and palliative clinical staff; regulatory compliance; enhanced community relationships for program visibility; excellent staff and patient satisfaction.

Essential Functions:

1. Performs clinical care which includes bedside and in-home evaluation of patients, patients’ histories; physical examinations; radiological and laboratory interpretations; follow-up inpatient care; discharge orders, patient instructions, and education; and participation in case management. Orders treatments, and durable medical equipment as indicated.
2. Collects and assesses patient care data, develops, and implements a plan of care, manages, and evaluates outcome of care.
3. Assists with telephone calls and triage to provide safe, effective, and appropriate disposition of health-related problems using approved practice protocols (includes assessment, patient education, and crisis intervention). Assists in referrals to palliative care and appropriately refers to hospice when appropriate for the patient.
4. Demonstrates expertise in pain and symptom management, complex communication, shared decision making, and collaborative provision of education and psychosocial and spiritual support to patients with a variety of life-limiting illnesses.
5. Integrates theoretical knowledge base and clinical expertise in decision making.
6. Demonstrates excellent phone and customer service skills, the ability to multi-task and remain professional in a dynamic setting.
7. Provides services related to hospice and palliative care, assesses patient needs, and anticipates service requirements. Coordinates with social workers, case managers, and applicable ancillary staff regarding hospice and palliative care services.
8. Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed. Completes, processes, and follows-up on prescription preparation and prior authorizations. Performs other therapeutic measures as indicated.
9. Educates clinical and long-term care staff, patients and families on applicable disease management and prevention strategies.
10. Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff, and the organization.
11. Assists with the coordination of admissions and discharges with all other disciplines as needed.
12. Works collaboratively with physicians, and other health care providers to optimize patient care. Consults with Medical Director or designee as needed, informs primary physician of services. Provides written reports to primary physician upon request.
13. Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts, and documents to support sound hospice and palliative practices. Assists in the development of clinical documentation protocols. Initiates timely and accurate billing for reimbursement of services.
14. Reports both verbally and in writing significant changes in the patient’s condition to the physician and other appropriate agency personnel. Consults with the clinical supervisor, as necessary.
15. Maintains regulatory compliance in all areas of position responsibilities. Has an excellent understanding of regulations and accreditation standards.
16. Must demonstrate empathy and sensitivity to the needs of the patient and family.
17. Provides appropriate resources in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
18. Utilizes appropriate communication lines to problem solve personal and departmental issues.
19. Is responsible for his/her continuing education, e.g., professional journals, attending seminars, workshops, assisting in presentation of in-service education and community education.
20. Supports research efforts to advance knowledge and to promote research-based practice. Evaluates own practice and program effectiveness.
21. Responsible for a low volume of on-call duties primarily addressed by phone for hospice and palliative care patients 1 evening/week from 4:30 pm to 7:00 am and one weekend/month from 4:30 pm on Friday to 7:00 am on Monday.
22. Supports the agency’s Mission and Value Performance Standards.
23. Responsible for maintaining their schedule in WellSky and maintaining productivity standards
24. Performs other duties as required.

Professional Development

• Attending Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in-services. Interdisciplinary Care. and department meetings.
• Attending annual organization training.

Personal Qualifications

• Ability to relate to people of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must demonstrate maturity, initiative, tact, and good judgment in staff, patients, and family interactions.
• 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 preferred.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable auto, and current auto insurance is required
• Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification.
• Blood-borne pathogens training
• Proof of TB screening.
• Dresses in a way that inspires trust and confidence in patients and families and with staff.

Education/Experience

1. Current Nurse Practitioner License for Wisconsin.
2. Prefer a minimum of one year's Nurse Practitioner experience.
3. Previous hospice and palliative care experience preferred.
4. Graduate from NLN accredited school of nursing.
5. Certified as an advanced hospice and palliative care nurse (ACHPN) by a nationally recognized certifying agency or required completion of the exam within 2 years of employment.

Working Conditions

• Physical Requirements: Frequent ambulation; constant bending, lifting, twisting, pushing and pulling; reposition patients, lift minimum of 30 pounds unassisted; bilateral manual dexterity; climb up and down stairs; Job may include sitting, standing, bending, stretching, stooping, walking, lifting 20 – 50lbs and repetitive hand motion associated with keyboarding; drive to and from patient homes; able to sit for extended periods of time; manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment.
• Mental Requirements: Read, speak, write, and understand English; cognitive processes to interpret patient condition and apply appropriate clinical processes in complex situations; ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and work with fractions; ability to drive and locate patient homes; functions independently without supervision while working in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Group.
• Working/Environmental Conditions: Fast-paced changing environment, with multiple directives from several disciplines; requires work in patient homes with no control over environmental conditions. Potentially unsafe and unsanitary home environments. Potential travel in inclement weather. Work assigned throughout the agencies clinical program setting.
• Machines, Equipment, Tools Used: Including but not limited to; automobile; telephone; smart phone; computer, laptop, or tablet; fax machine.
• Exposures: Anticipated exposure to blood, other body fluids or other potentially infectious materials. Exposure to communicable diseases or infections. Anticipated exposure to hazardous equipment, assorted chemicals, gases/vapors, and other pollutants.
• Personal Protective Equipment Required: Assorted gloves; assorted masks, protective eyewear; impervious gowns; impervious aprons; needleless systems as appropriate.