Nurse Practitioner-Palliative Medicine, Full-time, Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity a Nurse Practitioner to work in our Palliative Medicine department.  Our Palliative team cares for patients with late stage or end stage chronic, life-threatening progressive diseases that will ultimately take the patient’s life. We provide symptom management to improve quality of life, support for caregivers, facilitate goals of care discussions, assist with Advanced Directives, Power of Attorney, Code status and provider physical, emotional and spiritual support to the patient and family.

This team is composed of 1 physicians, 1 APRN’s, 1 RN Nurse Navigators, a Social Worker and Hospital Chaplain. This is a combination of inpatient and outpatient coverage. Schedule is 4 days of rounding and support, with 1 day devoted to the ambulatory clinic.  

Schedule: Monday - Friday, day time hours. 

• 1 week of call shared; with a 1:5 ratio. This consists of weekday phone coverage and rounding on the weekends. 

Essential Functions: 

• Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
• Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
• Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
• Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise.
• Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
• Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
• Provides direct clinical care to patients.
• Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.
• Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
• Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
• Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
• Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
• Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
• Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
• Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
• Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
• Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
• Serves as a patient advocate and role model for "Patients First".
• Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
• Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
• Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
• Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.
• Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
• Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate. 

AA/EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited school/college of nursing
• Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
• Privileged and credentialed through the Medical Staff Office (MSO)
• Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation – BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 

Preferred: 

• Experience in Palliative Medicine or Hospice work.
• Inpatient experience is preferred
• Advanced Certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ACHPN) (or on track to obtain within 2 years of hire)

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.