Nurse Practitioner

Overview

The primary objective is to provide face-to-face encounters for our hospice patients and/or serve as the attending physician at the patient’s request. Provides nursing assessment, planning and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families in accordance with the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care.

Responsibilities

• The Nurse Practitioner may fulfill the role of the attending physician for the purposes of hospice plan of care and admission. The Nurse Practitioner may not certify the terminal illness. 
•  Receives patient assignments for face to face encounters and operates under the direction of the Executive Director/Hospice Medical Director. 
•  Initiates communication with the IDT/other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family. 
• Cultivates communication and collaboration with the hospice medical director.
• Maintains regular communication with the case manager assigned to the patient.  Obtains data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that will influence and provide documentation of the continued eligibility for hospice. 
•  Maintains up to date schedule of patient visits in order to provide timely face-to face encounters. Turns paperwork into office as required by Medicare and Good Shepherd Hospice policies and procedures. 
•  Accepts responsibility for participation in IDT in assuring evaluation of continued eligibility for hospice services at the time of admission, if applicable, and recertification as required. 
•  May participate in continuing education of agency staff and medical community in areas of pain and symptom management. 
•  Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner currently licensed in the state of service and maintains necessary collaborative agreements. 
•  Any state specific requirements must be met.
• Demonstrated commitment to the hospice philosophy of care. 
• Excellent verbal communication skills