Palliative Care Nurse (RN)- Philadelphia, PA

Palliative Care Nurse (RN)

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 registered nurse is designated to provide coordination of care, ensure continuous assessment of each patient’s and family’s needs, and to work with the interdisciplinary group to implement the plan of care.

Job Description

• Provides expert, individualized coordination of care to patients and families.
• Completes initial and ongoing 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 treatment plan, including physician visits for evaluation and ongoing management.
• Assists patients in accessing appropriate services and resources in the community to improve their overall health and well-being.
• Educates patient and family to enhance understanding of disease processes and plan of care, including discussion of treatment options to ensure informed decision making.
• Provides emotional support and counseling to patients and their families to improve transitions, adjustment to illness, and adherence to 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 appropriate goal-setting and discussions about advance care planning/development of 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 healthcare team to manage transitions of care between hospital, primary, and specialty care.
• 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 the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff, and the organization.
• Participates in on-call rotation as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in an acute care setting, preferred.
• 1-2 years Case Management experience in a community setting preferred (home health, rehab, hospice, etc.).
• 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 the ability to navigate within an automated system as well as a variety of software packages such as Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Education

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

Certification & Licensure

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

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Pre-tax healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan with numerous investment options and generous company match
• Cancer and/or critical illness benefit
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Legal insurance
• Roadside assistance

Many of our positions offer the opportunity to work day or night shifts, weekdays or weekends.

About Us

VITAS Healthcare is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care and has the resources and expertise to support your personal and professional growth. As a member of the VITAS team, you’ll find fulfillment working for a people-focused organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. You will be more than just an employee: You will be counted on as an expert in your field and as a valued team member whose efforts are respected and vital to our hospice mission.

All VITAS employees commit to fulfilling their duties and responsibilities with the highest regard for professionalism, collaboration, teamwork, and an eye focused constantly on growth and improvement. We serve with commitment and compassion and position ourselves for the future by embracing, innovating, and leading change. If you are that person, make your voice heard—find your purpose at VITAS today.