APP Hospice

Position Summary / Career Interest:

Mid-level providers include Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) who work collaboratively with sponsoring and supervising physicians for end of life patients. The Hospice APRN works independently and in collaboration with the Hospice Medical Director (or designee), the Hospice Nursing Director, and other members of the Hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT) to deliver end-of-life and palliative care .

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Orders, interprets, and evaluates tests to identify and assess patient's clinical problems and end-of-life health care needs.
• Coordinates hospice and palliative care with the Hospice IDT through planning and effective communication.   Discusses case with hospice physician and other hospice professionals to prepare and implement comprehensive patient and family care plan.
• Recommends drugs or other forms of treatment or related therapeutic procedures to coordinate palliative medical care at end-of-life.  Prescribes medications including opiates and narcotics following established protocols.
• Records physical findings, formulates plans and prognosis, based on patient's condition. Participates in accomplishing Face to Face (FTF) encounters, per CMS regulations.
• Works in an independent and interdependent relationship with members of the hospice team, and hospice medical staff, which allows for consultation, collaboration, or referral.  Works collaboratively with supervising physician.  Communicates openly with supervising physician peers.
• Admits patients to hospice according to CMS regulation.
• Participates in and contributes to performance improvement activities relating to hospice nursing practice.
• Educates patients and/or families about end-of-life and palliative care; educates regarding use of medical treatments and/or medications. Demonstrates positive attitude, initiative and flexibility in working well with hospice team members.  Actively participates in educating and evaluating competencies of nursing Hospice Staff, and implements plans to meet educational needs of staff.
• Adheres to written protocols specific to position.
• Attends physician meetings and other meetings as directed by Medical Director.
• Documents comprehensive medical history, identified pertinent patient information and progress, medications and diagnostic studies as required, and keeps the IDT updated on changes made to patients plan of care.
• Establishes, builds and nurtures relationships with staff and community referral sources to facilitate program growth.
• Participates in group activities and projects.  Represents Olathe Medical Center Hospice and the Hospice House  with expertise in palliative and hospice care  in community events/education.
• Provides On Call coverage to hospice patients.
• Knowledge of Kansas Hospice Regulations
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• Master Degree Nursing and Successful Completion of APRN Program
• 3 or more years of Nursing Experience

Preferred Education and Experience

• 1 or more years of Experience with Medicare Billing Privileges
• Experience in End of Life and Palliative Care and/or Geriatric

Required Licensure and Certification

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) - State Board of Nursing and must meet Medicare's qualification definition which requires certification by recognized national certifying bodies for NPs at the advanced practice level upon Hire
• CPR/ AED/ BLS - Other BLS
• Drug Enforcement Admin - Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

Preferred Licensure and Certification

• Advance Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN) - Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC)

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.