Job Description

A Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who specializes in providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals with serious, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses. The role focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and supporting patients and their families through complex healthcare decisions.

The Palliative Care NP works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans. Responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, prescribing medications, and facilitating goals-of-care discussions, including advance care planning.

This role involves care in a hospital and outpatient clinic setting.

Patient Care & Clinical Management

• Provide comprehensive palliative care to patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses, focusing on symptom management and quality of life
• Perform detailed assessments, analyze clinical data, and develop individualized care plans
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests and procedures as appropriate
• Initiate and manage treatment plans in accordance with established protocols and collaborative agreements
• Assist with and manage patient consults, write medical orders, and support care delivery across settings

Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Care

• Collaborate closely with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care
• Coordinate with consulting providers and participate in hospital rounds
• Assist physicians with procedures in both inpatient and outpatient settings as needed
• Ensure seamless communication across care teams to support continuity of care

Care Coordination & Patient Advocacy

• Facilitate transitions of care, including movement to step-down units, outpatient services, or home-based care
• Minimize fragmentation of care through effective coordination and follow-up
• Advocate for patients’ goals, preferences, and needs, including advance care planning

Patient & Family Support

• Educate patients and families about disease progression, prognosis, and care options
• Provide emotional support and guidance during serious illness and end-of-life care
• Promote shared decision-making aligned with patient values

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure delivery of high-quality, evidence-based palliative care services
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the medical record
• Adhere to organizational policies, regulatory standards, and best practices

Hospital-Based Responsibilities

• Manage patients with higher acuity in a specialized care setting
• Participate in hospital weekend coverage (on rotation)
• Conduct routine hospital rounds and respond to patient care needs

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals

Education Master's or Doctorate degree in Nursing

Licensure ACLS; RN;BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification Current/unrestricted RN license; Advanced Practice License; ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center)