Job Summary:

The Inpatient Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner provides specialized care to hospitalized patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, focusing on symptom management, quality of life, and patient-centered treatment goals.

The position collaborates with physicians, nursing, case management, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate care, facilitate goals-of-care discussions, and support patients and families in medical decision-making.

Success is demonstrated through improved symptom management, effective care coordination, appropriate utilization of healthcare resources, and improved patient and family satisfaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides inpatient palliative care consultations and develops individualized treatment plans.
2. Assesses and manages pain, dyspnea, anxiety, and other symptoms associated with serious illness.
3. Facilitates goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and complex medical decision-making.
4. Collaborates with physicians, nursing, case management, and other disciplines to coordinate patient care.
5. Conducts family meetings and provides education regarding treatment options, prognosis, and end-of-life care.
6. Identifies patients appropriate for hospice services and facilitates transitions of care.
7. Promotes appropriate resource utilization through timely care planning and alignment of treatment with patient goals.
8. Documents clinical assessments, treatment plans, and goals-of-care discussions in the medical record.
9. Participates in palliative care quality improvement and program development initiatives.
10. Exhibits the F.I.R.S.T. values at all times (Friendliness, Innovation, Respect, Service, Trust).
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lifting and carrying: Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 20 pounds; assist with patient positioning as needed.
• Mobility: Stand, walk, bend, and reach while performing patient assessments and providing bedside care.
• Fine motor skills: Perform physical examinations, use clinical equipment, and operate computers and electronic medical records.
• Sensory: Possess sufficient visual and auditory capabilities to assess patients, review clinical information, and communicate effectively.
• Cognitive and communication: Exercise clinical judgment, manage complex medical information, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards:

Works primarily in an inpatient hospital environment, including medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and patient care areas. Potential exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and other healthcare-related hazards. Requires frequent walking, standing, computer use, and interaction with patients experiencing serious illness or end-of-life conditions.

Working Relationships:

Maintains frequent interaction with patients, families, physicians, nursing staff, case management, social work, chaplaincy, and hospital leadership. Collaborates with hospice agencies and community healthcare providers to facilitate coordinated care and appropriate transitions.

Equipment Used or Special Skills Required:

• Electronic medical records and standard clinical equipment.
• Advanced clinical assessment and symptom management skills.
• Strong communication, counseling, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Knowledge of palliative care, advance directives, and end-of-life care.
• Ability to facilitate complex goals-of-care discussions and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Knowledge of appropriate clinical documentation, coding, and billing practices.

Qualifications

Minimum one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse in an acute care or comparable clinical setting.

Preferred: Two or more years of experience as a nurse practitioner in hospital medicine, critical care, oncology, geriatrics, or palliative care. Experience in symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, and end-of-life care.