POSITION SUMMARY

The APRN works in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and other hospice physicians, provides direct patient care in a variety of settings (i.e., private home, nursing home, hospital, hospice facility). The APRN conducts recertification visits, evaluating for and documenting relevant clinical information to be used by the CMO or other hospice physicians in the hospice recertification process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN); Master’s (APRN) degree preferred.

Licensure: Advance Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) licensed in Arkansas, Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in Arkansas.

Experience: Minimum of two years of Advance Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN) experience. Hospice and palliative care experience preferred either as an Registered Nurse (RN) or Advance Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner (APRN).

Additional Requirements: Valid Arkansas driver’s license, personal automobile insurance, personal cell phone, current TB skin test, ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Utilizes approved clinical guidelines and evidence-based protocols when providing care.
• Adequately prepares F2F documentation, in a timely manner, to communicate findings for attending physician to review.
• Acts in a professional manner and is cordial and respectful when interacting with patients, staff, physicians, and other team Arkansas Hospice team members.
• Provides services related to health maintenance and promotion, palliative care and end of life care.
• Collaborates with primary care nurse, PCC, Area Manager, or hospice team physician as needed to discuss identified patient needs and make recommendations for possible medication adjustments, treatments, supplies, or DME
• Consults with Chief Medical Officer or designee as needed, informs primary physician of services provided and collaborates with other physicians as needed; provides written reports to primary physician upon request.
• Prepares and maintains accurate patient records, charts and documents to support sound medical practice.
• Provides training for staff, medical residents and students as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested.
• Adheres to the practice of confidentially regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
• Maintains current knowledge and skills in the Registered Nurse Practitioner category.
• Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
• Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
• Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

• 
  Knowledge of palliative care with emphasis on symptom control associated with terminal illness.
• Knowledge of the holistic approach toward patient care and the nursing process as it applies to hospice patients and families.
• Knowledge of hospice certification/recertification eligibility requirements.
• Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.
• Knowledge of computer software applications.
• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with co-workers and other customers.
• Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
• Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it requires the regular handling of confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine. Any lapse of attention could have a significant impact on Arkansas Hospice and/or its patients, and could result in injury, illness, or death. For the safety and health of yourself and others, you must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and concentrate for long periods of time while performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine.