Position Summary:

The Nurse Practitioner collaborates with other Interdisciplinary Team members to create, review, and revise the patients’ plan of care. He or she provides direct medical care of hospice patients through visits at the patient’s place of residence and through advice and direction to nursing staff. The Nurse Practitioner performs face-to-face visits under the supervision of the Medical Director.

Relationships

Reports to: VP of Ancillary Services

Others: Interacts with IDT and other administrative staff

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stewards the philosophy/mission of PH Healthcare, Inc. which focuses on the overriding values of human dignity and respectful response to the needs of persons with life-threatening/terminal and/or chronic illnesses.

• Collaborates with the IDT to create, review, and revise the patient’s plan of care. Provides medical care within the scope of practice to patients in their place of residence. Advises Palliative nurses on patient care issues and consults with the Medical Director on medical issues that are outside of the Nurse Practitioner’s scope of practice.

• Provides education and counseling to patients and their caregivers on preventative care and medical problems as needed.

• Visits assigned patients in their place of residence to evaluate their continued eligibility for Palliative services, including performing the face-to-face encounter. Documents all patient information and services provided in the patient’s electronic medical record.

• Maintains expertise in and attends ongoing educational programs.

• Establishes, builds, and nurtures relationships with staff and community referral sources to facilitate program growth.

Qualifications:

South Carolina Nurse Practitioner Certification/SC License is required. Prior management experience in long-term care or hospice experience is preferred. Computer skills are required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public. Must be knowledgeable of palliative nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to hospice.

• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.

• Must have patience, tact, as well as willingness to handle difficult residents.

• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing nursing practices.

• Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition.

• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

• Must be a caring and flexible individual who willingly works with patients and their needs as they arise.

• Must have effective computer skills for documentation purposes. Must have knowledge of HIPAA compliance and regulations.

Working Conditions:

• Requires travel within the agency’s service area in a personal automobile, therefore, must have a current driver’s license, auto insurance, and the ability to operate an automobile.

• Works in office area(s), community, and long-term care facilities.

• Moves intermittently during working hours. Is subject to frequent interruptions.

• Is involved with patients, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors.

• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.)

• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.

• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs. Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB and the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.

• Please note every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.