Description

Position Summary
The Nurse Practitioner (NP) is responsible for conducting timely, accurate, and compassionate face-to-face (F2F) visits for patients entering or continuing hospice care at VistaRiver Hospice. The NP completes comprehensive clinical assessments, collaborates with the hospice interdisciplinary team (IDT), and provides documentation necessary for hospice recertification, in accordance with Medicare Conditions of Participation and VistaRiver Hospice standards. The NP supports the organization’s mission to deliver high-quality, patient-centered end-of-life care.

 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Face-to-Face Clinical Assessments
Performs in-person visits with hospice patients prior to each applicable recertification period (typically benefit periods 3 and beyond).
Completes detailed clinical assessments focused on disease progression, symptom burden, functional status, and terminal prognosis.
Evaluates patient eligibility for ongoing hospice services in compliance with Medicare guidelines.
Provides clinical observations and findings to the certifying physician for review.
Documentation & Compliance
Completes all visit notes, clinical summaries, and required F2F documentation within organizational and regulatory timeframes.
Ensures documentation supports hospice eligibility, disease trajectory, and need for continued services.
Upholds Medicare, state, and organizational standards related to hospice certification and recertification.
Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
Collaborates closely with the hospice Medical Director, attending providers, RNs, social workers, chaplains, and other IDT members.
Offers clinical recommendations to enhance symptom management and quality of life.
Patient & Family Communication
Provides clear, compassionate communication with patients and families regarding disease progression and goals of care.
Answers clinical questions within the scope of the F2F visit and ensures continuity of care with the primary hospice team.
Professional Practice
Maintains knowledge of hospice regulations, palliative care practices, and evidence-based end-of-life care.
Practices within the scope of licensure, certification, and organizational policy.
Adheres to all safety, compliance, and infection-control protocols during home, facility, and inpatient visits.
 

 
Skills & Competencies
Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to work autonomously and manage a mobile/field-based schedule.
Compassionate bedside manner and comfort working with end-of-life populations.
Strong time-management and documentation efficiency.
Proficiency with EMR systems.
 
Work Environment
Field-based role requiring travel to homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and other patient locations.
Exposure to various home environments, pets, family dynamics, and potential infection risks.
Requires ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, and provide basic physical assistance during patient assessments.
 
Schedule
Typically Monday–Friday with flexibility based on census and recertification timelines.
Occasional extended hours may be needed to meet regulatory deadlines.

Requirements

Required
Current, unrestricted Nurse Practitioner license in the state of Oregon.
National NP certification (e.g., ANCC or AANP).
Current DEA registration (or ability to obtain if required by role).
Minimum 1–2 years of clinical experience as an NP, RN, or APN in hospice, palliative care, home health, geriatrics, or a related field.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel to patient homes and facilities.
Preferred
Experience performing hospice face-to-face visits or hospice recertification assessments.
Strong knowledge of Medicare hospice regulations and terminal disease trajectories.
Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.