JOB SUMMARY

The nurse practitioner or physician assistant provides direct patient care for patients with serious illnesses. The patient population will reflect that specified by the licensing board. Is responsible for using expert skills in history taking, physical examination, initiation and interpretation of tests, analysis of data, and the implementation and evaluation of plans of care. Effectively manages the Plan of Care for each patient based on clinical knowledge, data, patient preference and benefits to the patient. Management of each patient also includes appropriately and effectively delegating patient care duties to other members of the team to assure optimal patient outcomes. Works with other members of the palliative care team (MD, NP, PA, RN, and social worker) along with hospital staff in the inpatient setting. Responsible for continuing his/her own personal development to enhance practice and the medical profession. Performs other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Participates in the medical management of patients with serious conditions to effectively manage the plan of care for patients in conjunction with the Palliative Care Center physicians and other providers, in hospital settings.

2. Provides appropriate and pertinent patient education to the patient/family according to the Plan of Care to facilitate optimal patient and family comfort and support in serious illness.

3. Appropriately documents and communicates all required information in accordance with agency policies and procedures, accreditation, regulation, and legal requirements.

4. Effectively and appropriately delegates specific patient care duties to other Palliative Care Team members.

5. Works effectively with other team members and can adapt to each environment by which we see patients: various inpatient hospital settings.

6. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

7. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance program performance.

8. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the team.

9. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

10. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare daily.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: Graduate of an accredited school with a Master’s Degree in Nursing or Physician Assistant.

2. Licensure / Certifications: Current certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (ANNP), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Must have current license or ability to obtain licensure from the NC Board of Nursing (NP) or NC Medical Board (PA).

3. Experience: Minimum of one year of experience as an NP or PA. Palliative and/or hospice experience is preferred. Hospital or nursing home experience preferred.

4. Essential Technical/Motor Skills: Good hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills when performing examination, providing treatments, injections, use computer, etc. Speaking clearly to communicate with patients, families, physicians and staff regarding patient’s condition and care. Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language. Working knowledge in the use of personal computer workstations and Microsoft Windows environment for delivering patient care to include placing orders for clinical services, reviewing results from clinical tests and documenting delivered care

5. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to deal with the public, co-workers, patients, guests, outside agencies and physicians in a professional manner. Ability to positively interact with patients, families, physicians, and staff to effectively care for the patients. Competence at providing leadership and direction to supervisees.

6. Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and/or maneuver objects weighing at least 45 pounds or less in the assessment and implementation of patient care. Requires pushing, moving, lifting of patients.

7. Essential Mental Abilities: Must be able to assess a patient’s condition, formulate a Plan of Care, implement appropriate interventions to meet patient/family outcomes. Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short and long-term memory.

8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Must be able to assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate Plan of Care. Utilize hearing to auscultate lung sounds, bowel sounds and effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and staff.

9. Exposure to Hazards: Frequent exposure to blood and body fluids, infectious diseases, needle puncture wounds. May encounter patients and other situations that present a potential threat to personal safety. May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10. Other - Hours of Work: Flexible schedule to accommodate staffing needs. Rotating schedule with either five eight hour shifts or four ten hour shifts to include one weekend per month. Holiday coverage rotates among team members.

11. Population Served: Patients with serious illness as appropriate to the NP’s or PA’s licensure.

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