Job Description

As a Compassus nurse, you have the autonomy to utilize your nursing skills. You are invited into patients’ homes and lives during trying times and have the honor to become a trusted face. For many of our team members, this is more than a career— it’s a calling.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? Join our team today as a Nurse Practitioner to positively impact the experiences of patients and families.

Position Summary

The Nurse Practitioner, if providing hospice care, functions as an extension of the IDT and hospice physician to provide routine recertification and emergency assessments, educational, and evaluative services to meet the needs of patients and their families. S/he helps the patient and family maintain their maximum level of comfort and coping.  S/he flexes schedule to meet agency visit needs and may be asked to provide after-hours emergency visits and/ or admissions.  S/he is responsible for applying the rules and regulations of state and federal regulatory agencies and other certified agencies.

The Nurse Practitioner, if providing palliative care, provides palliative care for patients facing chronic, complex, and /or life-threatening conditions at various locations within the flow of patient care. S/he provides assessments, educational, and evaluative services to meet the needs to palliative care patients and their families. The Nurse Practitioner helps the patient and family maintain their maximum level of comfort and coping. S/he serves as clinical and educational role model and mentor; provides care and support in collaboration with the primary care team; and ensures compliance with practice standards and codes. S/he must flex schedule to meet agency needs. S/he is responsible for applying the rules and regulations of state and federal regulatory agencies and other certified agencies.

Principal Accountabilities

• Performs routine and emergency assessments:
• Completes routine and emergency recertification visits on each patient entering their 3rd benefit period or beyond (including admissions and transfers)
• Completes routine and emergency assessments on each patient as indicated by departmental policy.
• Records observations, treatments, and other pertinent information.
• Communicates with Medical Director, Attending Physician, DCS and IDT as directed regarding findings from the visits and any measures to alleviate symptoms. 
• Provides physical and emotional care to support the patient and family in period of crisis.
• Prevents unwarranted hospitalizations by meeting patient and family needs in the home. 
• Collaborates/Communicates with Medical Director, Attending Physician, DCS, IDT, and Hospital Staff (Palliative Care)
• Educates patient and caregiver regarding

In our programs that serve palliative care, the additional following outpatient responsibilities are needed:

• Performs routine and emergency assessments.
• Performs bedside palliative care patient/family evaluation.
• Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory and radiology tests within scope of professional practice.
• Prescribes medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed.
• Orders treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated.
• Performs other therapeutic or corrective measures as indicated.
• Consults with palliative care physician or designees as needed, informs primary physician of services provided and collaborate with other physicians as needed.
• Assists in all facets of care coordination for palliative care referrals.
• Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts, and documents to support sound medical practice and reimbursement for services provided.
• Complies with applicable laws and regulations with respect to Collaborative Agreements.
• Initiates reimbursement for services rendered, provides training and continuing education for staff.
• Assists in development of clinical practice guidelines/standards in support of quality palliative care.
• Advocates for improvements in palliative care through participation in professional, private, and governmental groups.
• Defines goals for professional growth and participates actively in professional activities and organizations.
• Engages in active and frequent self-care activities for personal and professional growth and longevity.
• Adheres to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the Organization.
• Assists patients and families in identification of goals of treatment and ongoing plans of care.  Communicates these goals among Interdisciplinary Team (IDT).
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Supervision of nursing trainees, including graduate and advance practice nurses in field placements.
• Participation in supervision of other trainees, including medical students, residents, fellows, and social work and psychology trainees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

NP providing Hospice Care

Nurse Practitioner with a current nurse practitioner license in state of employment. Minimum of one year nursing practice or equivalent experience required. Hospice, oncology, or home health and/or long-term care preferred.

NP providing Palliative Care

Master’s degree in Nursing. Minimum of five years nursing experience; clinical nursing care in oncology, hospice, geriatrics, intensive care preferred. Licensed to practice in the state of employment. Certified or eligible as a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Nurse Practitioner.

State Specifics:

• All States except Iowa: Current collaborative physician agreement in place.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

A valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance.

NP providing Hospice Care

Nurse Practitioner license in state of employment.

NP providing Palliative Care

CNS or Nurse Practitioner license in the state of employment. Board certification in hospice and palliative care is expected within 18 months of hire.

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