Hospice-Nurse Practitioner

Benefits :

• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

The Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive hospice services in compliance with the state Nurse Practice Act.  A Certified Nurse Practitioner can function in the role of attending physician as specified in section 408 of the federal Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Moderations Act of 2003.

Illinois definition includes : a registered nurse who meets the requirements for licensure as an advanced practice nurse in the category of Certified Nurse Practitioner under the Nurse Practice Act.  According to section 408 of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, a nurse practitioner may not serve as a medical director or as the physician member of the interdisciplinary group.  The advanced nurse practitioner, acting as the attending physician, would be prohibited from certifying the terminal diagnosis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Nurse Practitioner provides hospice services including, but not limited to :

Complementing attending physician care

Acting as a medical resource person to the IDG

Performing Face-to-face visits as needed

Evaluating hospice eligibility as assigned in consultation with the hospice interdisciplinary team

Assuring that the patient receives appropriate measures to control uncomfortable symptoms.

Collaborating with the IDG to ensure that the needs of the patient are met.

Supporting clinical and administrative staff in providing compassionate quality care.

Ensuring that the patient meets the medical criteria for hospice admission based upon available diagnostic and prognostic indicators, related diagnosis(es) if any, current subjective and objective medical findings, current medication and treatment orders, information about the medical management of any of the patient’s conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.

Reviews clinical information, coordinates and oversees patient care in consultation with the hospice interdisciplinary team and other healthcare practitioners.

Ensuring the provision of direct medical services to patients either directly or through arrangements, as appropriate, in the absence of the patient’s attending physician.

Attending IDG conferences, as needed.

Participating in plan of care development and managing oversight of medications and treatment.

Documenting care provided in the patient’s clinical record providing evidence of progression of the end-stage-disease process.

Maintaining current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain / symptom management.

Working in a team approach with the IDG.

Participating in performance improvement programs, as indicated.

Reviewing and developing protocols for treatment and proposing the most current options for interventions.

Demonstrating knowledge in communications and counseling patient / family in dealing with end-of-life issues.

Participating in resolution of interpersonal conflict and issues of clinical and ethical concern.

JOB CONDITIONS

Position requires deadlines and timelines required by governing and regulatory organizations.

It requires minimal lifting of office records and printouts.

Sitting, standing, stooping, and walking, as well as telephone communication are required.  Face to face visits may entail moderate physical exertion and car travel.

Travel may be required, by car or airplane to local, out-of-town, or state seminars, conferences, or meetings.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform and demonstrate patient care.

Adhering to regulations, standards and conditions of participation required by Medicare, accrediting body, and federal and state statutes governing the provision of services.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Utilization of a computer, multi-line telephone, copy machine, and other office and basic medical equipment.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to assigned patient medical records.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    Must have completed an accredited Nurse Practitioner Program.

2.    Current nursing licensure in State.

3.    Has experience with end-of-life care.

4.    Maintains controlled substances registration with state and federal authorities, if applicable.

5.    Must have the ability to demonstrate self-confidence and positive attitude toward self and others and maintain commitment and enthusiasm to goal achievement.

6.    Not excluded from the Medicare program.

7.    The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.

Flexible work from home options available.