Advanced Practice Provider - Palliative Care Full Time

Position Summary: The Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) works collaboratively with their physician sponsor/supervisor to provide comprehensive care for a specific patient population. Provides clinical expertise to individual patients/families and/or groups of patients/families by providing direct and indirect patient care. Collaborates with the health care team in assessing, diagnosing, implementing, and evaluating population-based programs of patient care to enhance high quality patient outcomes, in accordance with practice protocols and applicable State Rules and Regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Practice

• Assesses and examines patients; collects medical history.
• Orders and interprets diagnostic lab and radiology.
• Plans and orders treatments, and approves treatment regimens within the scope of practice.
• Performs procedures as deemed competent and appropriate to practice specialty (Bone marrow aspirates, Ommaya taps, etc.)
• Writes prescriptions consistent with state rules and regulations
• Prescribe treatments according to protocols: comfort measures, restorative care, further testing, follow up care.
• Provides patient education and counseling regarding medication and diagnosis; documents education in patient’s EMR
• Assists with obtaining patient consents for chemotherapy/immunotherapy.
• Writes history, physical, and orders for hospital admission.
• Communicates and consults with physicians regarding new patient issues.
• Reviews pathology and records in consultation with MD
• Documents/dictates care as required in electronic medical record.
• Provides continuity of care and interfaces with internal and external departments to coordinate patient’s care. Acts as a resource to other staff/nurses in the practice
• Dictates notes or other correspondence for referring providers and patients.
• Reviews pathology and records of new patients. Contacts appropriate department or provider to obtain records as needed.
• Identifies patients eligible for research trials in conjunction with MD and research staff.
• Assists with training and orientation of new employees as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications/Experience:

• Must hold advanced practice licensure/ certification as required by the state of Tennessee. If Nurse Practitioner, must hold RN license for the state of Tennessee. Certificate to prescribe is required; current DEA required. Certified in Basic Cardiac Life Support required; ACLS preferred.
• Must have excellent organization and follow-up skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; excellent problem-solving skills; ability to organize and prioritize work assignments; ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; ability to analyze situations and respond in a timely manner; ability to participate in multi-functional teams; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within The West Cancer Center and assigned Hospital locations of practice.   Must be proficient in computer applications including word processing and e-mail. Additional hours may be required

 Work Environment/Physical Demands/Travel:

• Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Exposure to excessive heat or cold as required.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.
• Handling or administering of narcotics.
• Ability to read and write to communicate orally and in writing with other individuals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. without assistance and push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit in one place, stand, walk, squat, kneel, reach, twist, crawl, and bend throughout the shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist motion, as well as using hands for gripping and squeezing.
• Ability to use hands and feet together for repetitive coordinated motions.
• Good hand-eye coordination.
• Evaluates patients with problems via phone nurse or chemotherapy nurse. Assists with triage and addressing of needs of patients between office visits/treatments (i.e. medication refills, symptom management, phone calls, etc.)
• Provides continuity of care when a physician is out of the office.
• Interfaces with Medical Records, Front Desk, and Physicians and Nurses regarding patient’s charts, appointments and patient treatment. Also interfaces with area hospitals to report patient condition.
• Determines necessity for radiological exams and performs peer to peer evaluations with medical directors to ensure approval through insurance
• Respects the dignity and confidentiality of patients.
• Provides continuity of care and interfaces with internal and external departments to coordinate patient’s care.
• Facilitates appropriate follow up in order to assure continuity of care between outside referrals and between inpatient and outpatient settings. 

 Infusion Supervision

• Duties same as above for any patient assessed and evaluated
• Accountable for the safe monitoring and coverage of patients receiving treatments in the practice infusion rooms
• Monitors lab and clears patients for treatment as needed
• Immediately and effectively responds to any emergent patient situation that occurs in the infusion rooms or anywhere in the clinic area. This includes monitoring the Rapid Response Team calls if applicable per assigned site and responds appropriately.
• Serves as resource/mentor for nurses in Infusion for any patient issues or questions regarding care or treatment of patients.

 Professional Practice

• Demonstrates reliability and flexibility; maintains a good attendance record and report on time for work.
• Takes responsibility for expanding knowledge base and experiences; accepts constructive criticism in professional manner and incorporates as needed to enhance clinical knowledge and practice
• Develops relationships with multidisciplinary team members promoting mutual respect and trust
• Demonstrates awareness of strengths, identifies areas of growth in APP role, and assesses progress toward goals.
• Maintains a professional attitude and appearance.
• Complies with clinic safety policy and procedures.
• Possesses good communication skills that lend to a team oriented work environment.
• Participates in staff meetings/practice meetings/tumor boards as appropriate.
• Attends professional training in specialty area; meets all required CEUS to maintain licensure/certification