About this Nurse Practitioner - Medical Oncology and Palliative Care role at Vail Health Hospital
Vail Health has become the world’s most advanced mountain healthcare system. Vail Health consists of an updated 520,000-square-foot, 56-bed hospital. This state-of-the-art facility provides exceptional care to all of our patients, with the most beautiful views in the area, located centrally in Vail. Learn more about Vail Health here.
The Nurse Practitioner (NP) for the Shaw Cancer Center and the Shaw at Home program plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality, patient‑centered oncology and oncology‑focused palliative care in both clinic and home‑based environments. This dual‑role position functions as an advanced practice provider within medical oncology while also supporting the development, implementation, and ongoing delivery of oncology‑specific palliative care services.
The NP works closely with medical oncologists, the interdisciplinary cancer care team, and the palliative care team to provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and management of patients across the cancer care continuum—from diagnosis and active treatment through survivorship and end‑of‑life care.
- Provide comprehensive assessment and management of oncology and palliative care patients in both clinic and home‑based settings.
- Conduct detailed histories, physical exams, and symptom assessments; independently assess, diagnose, and initiate treatment within scope.
- Develop and implement evidence‑based treatment plans (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies) in collaboration with supervising oncologists.
- Manage acute and chronic treatment‑related symptoms and toxicities; respond to infusion reactions and triage urgent patient needs.
- Order, interpret, and act on labs, imaging, and other diagnostics; prescribe medications including chemotherapy and supportive therapies per state and federal guidelines.
- Provide patient and family education on diagnosis, treatment options, symptom management, goals‑of‑care, and advance care planning.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including medical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care, nursing, pharmacy, social work, dietitians, and spiritual care.
- Attend clinical rounds, palliative care IDT meetings, CoC‑related meetings, and other team conferences.
- Contribute to the development and ongoing refinement of the Shaw at Home program, including policies, protocols, and quality initiatives.
- Participate in data collection, quality improvement efforts, and program evaluation.
- Maintain timely and accurate documentation in the EHR (Cerner or EPIC preferred).
- Coordinate daily workflow including clinic visits, home visits, and administrative responsibilities; respond promptly to phone/email inquiries.
- Participate in shared after‑hours call rotation.
- Two years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner, ideally in oncology or a related specialty.
- Oncology RN or Oncology NP experience required.
- Experience in palliative care and/or hospice preferred.
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification preferred.
- Proficiency in oncology pharmacology, symptom management, and treatment‑related toxicities.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary outpatient oncology setting.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
- Eligibility for and ability to maintain a Colorado Nurse Practitioner license with prescriptive authority.
- Board certification as AGNP, FNP, or ACNP.
- DEA license required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
- Valid driver’s license with ability to meet Vail Health DMV criteria.
Benefits at Vail Health (Full) Include:
- Competitive Wages & Family Benefits:
- Competitive wages
- Parental leave (4 weeks paid)
- Housing programs
- Childcare reimbursement
- Comprehensive Health Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Educational Programs:
- Tuition Assistance
- Existing Student Loan Repayment
- Specialty Certification Reimbursement
- Annual Supplemental Educational Funds
- Paid Time Off:
- Up to five weeks in your first year of employment and continues to grow each year.
- Retirement & Supplemental Insurance:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with immediate matching
- Life insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Recreation Benefits, Wellness & More:
- Up to $1,000 annual wellbeing reimbursement
- Recreation discounts
- Pet insurance
Pay is based upon relevant education and experience per year.
