Education

Successful completion of a Nurse Practitioner program; Master’s in Palliative Care preferred.

Experience

At least five (5) years of related experience in a healthcare environment.

At least one (1) year related experience in Hospice and/or Palliative care.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in leading, motivating and developing others
• Skill in teaching nurses, physicians and other clinical and non-clinical staff
• Skill in using computer and a variety of personal productivity applications
• Effective written and oral communication skills to communicate and relate effectively with staff, the public, physicians, and insurers
• Analytical ability in order to problem solve, develop goals, objectives, clinical protocols, critical paths, case management practices, and policies and procedures
• Able to work under varying degrees of stress and the ability to adjust to changes in the work environment
• Skill in care of patients and families with serious illness and/or end of life concerns
• Skill in applying principles and practices of integrative medicine and health
• Personal or professional experience with integrative medicine or complementary modalities

Licensures, Certifications

• Current registration with the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses as a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Adult, Family or Geriatrics; Inpatient position can include Acute Care certification.
• National and State Certification as required for the relevant position (DEA, CDS)
• Completion of “healthcare provider” CPR course
• Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care through Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC), Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN), or equivalent, preferred.
• Center for Advancing Palliative Care (CAPC) Designation, preferred.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Assumes responsibility for the initial evaluation and treatment of patients in Gilchrist Inpatient Centers

• Performs initial Hospice history and physical as evidenced by appropriate documentation.
• Writes standard orders in accordance with hospice policy.
• Writes appropriate orders related to pre-existing conditions.
• Discusses with the attending physician and nursing staff physical and/or emotional findings, which may interfere with care of the patient.
• Manage all aspects of the patient’s symptoms, including medication/prescription management, conduct family meetings as  needed and requested, coordinate care with other members of the IDT through daily rounds, and document care activities and the rationale for the GIP level of care.
• Responsibility for completion of the MOLST form as required and for the completion of the death certificate of each expired   patient.
• Attend the weekly inter-disciplinary team meetings
• Work with the hospice access team to facilitate a smooth admission process.  Work with the Gilchrist Inpatient Centers      inter-disciplinary team to facilitate live discharges from the Center, including completion of transfer/discharge summary, prescriptions, and other discharge related documentation.
• Provide telephone and afterhours coverage via emedicall for patients at the assigned Center

Evaluates patient progress on a continuing basis and in collaboration with the attending physician, and alters treatment modalities as needed.

• Evaluates nursing, medical, social and educational needs on assigned patients.
• Writes progress notes for each visit documenting pertinent information regarding patient progress and treatment regime.
• Writes orders appropriate to the patient's care requirements in compliance with existing contract.
• Establishes medical diagnoses in compliance with contract.
• Refers to the physician or designee those problems which require consultation and documents same on progress note.

Performs technical functions as covered by the job description and delegation agreement submitted to BPQA and/or MBON, approved NP agreement and in accordance with hospital policy.

• Documents results of technical functions performed.
• Reports to physician or designee any abnormal findings related to it.
• Monitors patient response related to technical function performed and documents it.
• Acts as a clinical resource.
• Actively supports and participates in nursing and/or hospital performance improvement initiatives.
• Leads staff wellness activities as directed by supervisor.

Performs activities to meet patient/family educational needs.

• Participates actively in health teaching of patient and family to include preventative health care as well as current medical condition and treatment regime.  Evidence of same by documentation on progress note and/or established flow sheet.
• Plans and reviews home care instructions with patient and family if needed.  Include needs for service provided by community resources and hospital based ancillary services.
• Educates and supports patient and family using integrative/palliative principles to facilitate patient and family well-being

Assumes responsibility for utilizing opportunities for educational advancement by pursuing activities to meet identified educational needs and those required for continue certification as well as attending mandatory in service as required.

Performs activities to facilitate personal growth and professional development

• Participates in clinician wellness activities as directed by supervisor.
• Pursues continuing education in hospice care principles and practice.
• Able to articulate and carry out a self-care plan.
• Self-assesses and communicates effectively regarding perceived burnout, compassion fatigue, grief and other stresses associated with caring for seriously ill patients and families.

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations
• Actively pursues learning and self-development
• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others
• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
• Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers

Results

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services
• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
• Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

Pay Range

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.