Description

*Job Title: Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Inpatient* *Location* *Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe** (Rowlett, Texas)* *Schedule* *Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM* *Job Summary* The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider who actively renders direct patient care and possesses delegated prescriptive authority. This provider is credentialed and privileged, and their services are billed as an independent billing provider, as recognized by Medicare and Medicaid within the healthcare system and in accordance with the appropriate board. This *inpatient position* is based at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe in Rowlett, Texas. The Advanced Practice Provider delivers specialized medical care within the scope of practice as delineated by the supervising physician, focusing on *palliative and supportive care for hospitalized patients with serious, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses*. This role emphasizes symptom management, quality of life, goals-of-care discussions, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the acute care setting. *ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE* * Assesses the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories, with a focus on serious illness and symptom burden in the inpatient setting. * Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and diagnostic tests to assess patient conditions and guide palliative treatment planning. * Prescribes, recommends, and/or employs pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies to manage pain and other distressing symptoms (e.g., dyspnea, nausea, anxiety), in accordance with approved protocols, with attention to efficacy, safety, and quality of life. * Formulates and implements comprehensive, patient-centered, outcomes-based treatment plans based on evidence-based medicine, palliative care guidelines, and collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary team members. * Conducts goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and facilitates decision-making aligned with patient values and preferences. * Evaluates patient responses to care and adjusts treatment plans to optimize comfort, function, and quality of life. * Counsels patients and families regarding disease progression, prognosis, symptom management, medication use, end-of-life care options, and available support services. * Educates patients about medication regimens, including potential side effects, drug interactions, and safe use of therapies. * Maintains accurate and timely documentation of patient care, treatment plans, and outcomes. * Initiates consultations and referrals (e.g., hospice, social work, chaplaincy) when appropriate and when needs exceed scope of practice. * Provides specialty-level consultation services related to palliative care needs for hospitalized patients. * Manages patients within the inpatient hospital setting, collaborating closely with hospitalists, specialists, nursing staff, and case management. * Performs procedures within scope of practice and competency as delegated by the supervising physician. * May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on coverage needs of the department. *KEY SUCCESS FACTORS* * Advanced knowledge of palliative care principles, including pain and symptom management, end-of-life care, and serious illness communication * Knowledge of disease trajectories, treatment alternatives, pharmacologic therapies, and preventive measures relevant to chronic and life-limiting conditions * Understanding of interdisciplinary inpatient care models, including collaboration with physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists * Strong verbal and written communication skills, particularly in delivering complex or sensitive information * Excellent interpersonal skills with patients, families, and care teams * Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills in managing multifaceted clinical situations * Proficiency in electronic medical records and healthcare software systems * Ability to develop and implement individualized, outcomes-based treatment plans * Ability to provide compassionate counseling regarding medical, emotional, and psychosocial concerns * Ability to interpret diagnostic data and adjust care accordingly *QUALIFICATIONS* * Texas RN licensure or RN licensure with compact privilege from a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact * Current Texas APRN licensure * Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of Texas * Certification from an accredited board as an APRN for the patient population of focus required (e.g., Family, Adult-Gerontology) * Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire or transfer *PREFERRED EXPERIENCE* * Prior experience in *palliative care, hospice, oncology, critical care, or inpatient hospital medicine* * Experience managing patients with *serious, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses* * Demonstrated expertise in *pain and symptom management*, including complex medication regimens * Experience conducting *goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and end-of-life conversations* * Familiarity with *interdisciplinary team-based care models*, including collaboration with social work, chaplaincy, and case management * Certification in palliative care (e.g., *Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC)* certification such as ACHPN) preferred *QUALIFICATIONS* - EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program - EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience - CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION - Nurse Practitioner (NP) Registered Nurse (RN) Basic Life Support (BLS): Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.