Nurse Practitioner PRN (NP)

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients receiving home health or hospice services, including physical exams, medication reviews, and evaluation of symptom management.
• Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams, focusing on promoting comfort, dignity, and quality of life.
• Provide skilled nursing care, including wound care, medication management, and advanced symptom management, in accordance with established protocols and evidence-based practice guidelines.
• Monitor patients' clinical status and response to treatment, adjusting care plans as needed to address changing needs and goals of care.
• Educate patients and caregivers on disease management, medication administration, safety precautions, and end-of-life care options, fostering empowerment and shared decision-making.
• Coordinate with other healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists, to ensure seamless continuity of care and holistic support for patients and families.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in electronic health records (EHR) systems, adhering to regulatory standards and agency policies.
• Complete face to face encounters and assesses the following: disease related changes, decline in function, adherence and effectiveness of pain and symptom regimen, the patient and family coping mechanisms and quality of life.
• Order and review appropriate lab, x-rays, EKG's and other diagnostic procedures for palliation and treatment of the terminal disease as dictated by the patient's condition and documents the treatment plan accordingly and reviews results with collaborating physician.
• Make referrals to other disciplines as indicated by the patient's needs.
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary team conferences.
• May make house calls, follow patient load through hospital and/or clinic episodes, or monitor in-patients in specialized settings other than surgical or acute care.
• Respond to phone questions from patients, families or members of the interdisciplinary team, including hospice nurses, for treatment options.
• Document and bill appropriately for services.
• Conduct in-service offerings for appropriate staff and community partners to raise awareness of Supportive Care issues and criteria for appropriate patients.
• Provide on call services as assigned.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the hospital and/or facility staff.
• Meet with providers in private practice to develop and maintain referring relationships.
• Authorize prescriptions through the electronic system, complete electronic death certifications, and advise nursing and referral sources as required.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.
• Collaborate with community resources, such as palliative care programs, durable medical equipment suppliers, and home health agencies, to optimize support services for patients and families.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, professional standards of practice, and ethical principles governing nursing and advanced practice roles.
   

Working Environment

• Prudent use of office supplies and equipment.
• Fieldwork may expose employees to various conditions such as temperature extremes, physical hazards, and infectious diseases. Prudent use of equipment and supplies is essential, with a focus on protecting items from theft and damage.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in procedures outlined in their job description.
• Effective communication with healthcare professionals, patients, and families is imperative.
• Must meet the physical demands of the job, carrying supplies, and maintaining manual dexterity. They should be prepared to work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime, with the ability to function independently and cope with the stress of employee various needs.
• Adherence to the agency's dress code, professionalism in interactions, and compliance with public relation policies are expected.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Skills

• Master's or doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited nurse practitioner program.
• Current unrestricted license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of employment.
• Dual certification as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) through recognized certifying bodies.
• Clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner in home health, hospice, acute care, or a related field, with proficiency in managing both medical and psychiatric conditions preferred
• Clinical experience in home health, hospice, palliative care, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in conducting comprehensive assessments, managing complex symptoms, and providing advanced nursing care in the home setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Compassionate and empathetic demeanor, with a commitment to delivering patient-centered care and promoting dignity and autonomy.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to adapt to changing clinical situations and prioritize patient needs.
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and other healthcare technology used in home health and hospice settings.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) or other relevant certifications may be required depending on practice setting.