Palliative Care Registered Nurse (RN)

About the role

The registered nurse is a member of the core interdisciplinary group whose primary function is to assess physical, medical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual needs of the seriously ill patient and family. The nurse provides coordination of care, ensures continuous assessment of each patient’s and family’s needs, and works with the interdisciplinary group to implement the plan of care.

Responsibilities

• Provides expert, individualized coordination of care to patients and families.
• Completes initial and on‑going comprehensive physical and psychosocial assessment of the patient and family to identify needs and areas for intervention.
• Ensures appropriate referrals to specialists when indicated and supports adherence to the treatment plan, including physician visits for evaluation and on‑going management.
• Assists patients in accessing appropriate services and resources in the community to improve overall health and well‑being.
• Educates patients and families to enhance understanding of disease processes and the plan of care, including discussion of treatment options to ensure informed decision‑making.
• Provides emotional support and counseling to patients and families to improve transitions, adjustment to illness, and adherence to the treatment plan.
• Evaluates the patient’s physical and emotional recovery after treatment, utilizing appropriate resources as needed.
• Empowers patients to take control of their health care by encouraging goal‑setting and discussions about advance care planning and advance directives.
• Builds relationships with other clinicians involved in the patients’ care.
• Attends and participates in internal VITAS Palliative Care team meetings.
• Promotes a patient‑centered approach to care.
• Partners with the health‑care team to manage transitions of care between hospital, primary, and specialty settings.
• Facilitates proactive discharge planning or follow‑up to promote better outcomes, decreased length of stay, and reduced readmission rates.
• Protects patient rights to privacy and safeguards confidentiality when releasing patient information.
• Utilizes a customer‑service approach in all interactions with VITAS customers.
• Adheres to confidentiality practices regarding patients, families, staff, and the organization.
• Participates in on‑call rotation as needed.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an acute care setting (preferred).
• 1–2 years case management experience in a community setting (home health, rehab, hospice, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of the interdisciplinary team concept.
• Experience in patient education, planning, and management desired.
• Exceptional communication and customer‑service skills.
• Ability to communicate tactfully, verbally and in writing with department heads, managers, coworkers, and vendors to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
• Working knowledge of computers, internet access, and ability to navigate automated systems and software such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Certification & Licensure

• Current and valid nursing license in the state where the position is based.
• CPR, BLS/ACLS certification.
• CHPN certification preferred.
• Reliable transportation, current state driver’s license, and automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay

Salary Range: $40‑$47 per hour.