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The University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics (UI Health) is seeking an Advance Practice Registered Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care.  The Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) position works in collaboration with other palliative care team members to provide comprehensive palliative care consultations for assigned patients. This includes completion of a health assessment, participating in determination of prognosis, and planning/recommending treatment within the parameters of medical staff privileges at UI Health and area of expertise and billing for services.

Scope of Practice: Works within the Bylaws of the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and in adherence to hospital and divisional policy. Works collaboratively with other providers in the care of patients. Performs an accurate history and physical examination of patients. Conducts comprehensive or episodic health assessments and develops patient care plans. Performs procedures according to clinical delineation of privileges. Provides prevention strategies and management of acute and chronic health problems. Orders and interprets tests, treatments, and therapies within the scope of practice. Prescribes medications, diet, supplies, prosthetic devices, and other home health aides or medication according to clinical privileges. Provides clear, concise, accurate, and legible documentation regarding patient care in the medical record. Provides education to patients, families, and significant others using established education materials. May provide other clinical duties within the scope of practice as directed under the emergency operation plan. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility to positively impact the financial performance of the organization while ensuring optimal patient care and safety.

Professional: Advocates for patients, families, co-workers, the community, and the nursing profession. Integrates evidence-based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision-making. Participates in peer review and competency assessment activities. Seeks experiences and formal and independent learning activities to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills and knowledge. Establishes an effective relationship with the entire care team. May advance the profession through presentations and publications. May lead and assist in research and evidence-based practice through participant selection, coordination of the protocol(s), data collection, and other associated activities. Demonstrates accountability for professional conduct. Advances professionalism by seeking opportunities to develop new skills and to enhance current ones.

Teaching: Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families. May provide education and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students and current and new employees, including but not limited to medical staff, residents, advanced practice providers and nursing. May develop or participate in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff. Provides formal and/or informal education or mentorship to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.

Communication & Leadership: Demonstrates excellence in written and verbal communication, public speaking, presentation skills, critical thinking and decision-making skills. Clearly understands the implications of situations and uses sound judgment when dealing with multiple disciplines. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment and view success in relationship to group success. Participates in program development. Acts as a resource for clinical staff in the practice setting. Consults with management in assessment, problem-solving, decision-making, and evaluating clinical/system issues and models of care. Identifies and participates in quality improvement initiatives within the practice setting and initiates change as appropriate. Leads multidisciplinary teams to provide integrated delivery of patient care services. May participate in the development and revision of protocols or guidelines to reflect evidence-based changes in care management. May participate in activities that influence policy-making bodies to improve patient care.

Department/Specialty Specific Responsibilities

• Perform bedside palliative care patient/family evaluation.
• Assist with diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic health conditions.
• Order, perform, and interpret laboratory and radiology tests within scope of professional practice.
• Prescribe medications including controlled substances to the extent delegated and licensed.
• Order treatments and durable medical equipment as indicated.
• Perform other therapeutic or corrective measures as indicated, including urgent care.
• Consult with palliative care physician or designees as needed, inform primary physician of services provided and collaborate with other physicians as needed.
• Assist in all facets of care coordination for palliative care referrals.
• Prepare and maintain accurate patient records, charts, and documents to support sound medical practice and reimbursement for services provided.
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations with respect to Collaborative Agreements.
• Initiate reimbursement for services rendered.
• Provide training and continuing education for staff.
• Assist in development of clinical practice guidelines/standards in support of quality palliative care.
• Adhere to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Graduation from accredited APN program
• Two (2) years of experience as an APN in palliative care or hospice required.
• Current license as a Professional Registered Nurse and Advanced Practice Nurse in the State of Illinois required
• Master’s Degree in Nursing or Doctorate of Nursing Practice required
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Current controlled substance licensure if indicated by position.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between physician, APN and PA providers as well as college and hospital leadership and the multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, interpersonal communication, education, clinical experience and change management required.
• Documentation in the medical record to substantiate accurate billing
• Intermediate computer skills