GENERAL SUMMARY

An exempt position responsible for providing care to patients and families living with a terminal illness and management of acute conditions that may or may not be further complicated and/or exacerbated by complex comorbidities. The APRN or Physician Assistant provides clinical services to individuals, families, and groups, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, conducting history and physical examinations, diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases, and pain and symptom management of end-of-life care. Works autonomously as well as in collaboration with a variety of individuals on the Palliative Care team, to include the Palliative Care Medical Director, attending supervising physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, specialty consultants, nursing, social workers, and case managers to diagnose and manage patients' health care problems. Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) exercise autonomous and delegated medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services including responsibilities for clinical coordination, education, research, and administrative services. In addition to their patient management responsibilities, APP service should include engagement in governance activities, quality / process improvement, ongoing evaluation, and program development for improved clinical outcomes. The Palliative Care APP will work closely with their Lead APP, Primary Supervising Physician, Service Physicians, Service Medical Director, The Director of Advanced Practice, Advanced Practice Leadership, Service Line Leadership, and the operational team. Direct reporting is to the Lead APP and Director of Advanced Practice. Maintains an annual protocol with supervising physician, as required by state professional regulatory agencies. Responsible for performing job duties in accordance with mission, vision, and values in accordance with Tampa General Hospital

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Advanced knowledge and preparation in pain and symptom management and end-of-life care
2. Sensitivity to the needs of terminally ill patients and their families
3. Conducts history/physical examinations, consultations, and clinical management plans in collaboration with supervising physician and the Palliative Care service.
4. Responds to inpatient calls and evaluates patients as needed for complications, change in medical condition or other patient/RN concerns.
5. Daily rounding, reviewing patient data, monitoring therapy, and providing continuity of care.
6. Counsel patients/family on condition and care plans.
7. Documents patient information and care in the medical record including H&Ps, consultant notes, and progress notes.
8. Facilitates discharge planning and patient throughput from admission.

Qualifications

PERFOMRING REQUIREMENTS

1. Knowledge of medical model and roles of physicians and APPs. Familiar with anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical medicine, and physical diagnostics.
2. Knowledge of hospice regulations and standards of care
3. Knowledge of patient assessment techniques including taking histories, and performing physicals, evaluating patient condition.
4. Knowledge of diagnosing and treating medical problems and developing care plans.
5. Knowledge of documentation in medical records in a confidential manner for compliance with HIPPA laws and TGH policies.
6. Knowledge of TGH Employment competencies and policies.
7. Knowledge of Medical Staff Bylaws and Rules and Regulations.

SKILLS

1. Skill in gathering and analyzing physiological, socioeconomic, and emotional patient data.
2. Skill in taking vitals and analyzing clinical data to drive care improvement strategies
3. Skill in developing/revising patient care plan based on patient status and response to therapies.
4. Skill in providing care that fosters patient engagement and supports high patient experience
5. Skill in interpersonal communication to effectively coordinate, advocate, and deliver patient care among an interdisciplinary team
6. Skill in electronic medical record navigation / documentation.

ABILITIES

1. Ability to make responsible decisions within scope of APP practice.
2. Ability to collaborate effectively with physicians and the interprofessional team on complicated cases.
3. Ability to educate patients, families, and staff in a respectful manner.
4. Ability to perform patient assessment techniques to establish an accurate assessment and plan for hospitalized patients and at times critically ill patients.
5. Ability to organize, create an efficient schedule allowing for appropriate combinations of APPs for competent coverage.
6. Ability to problem-solve regarding logistical issues that may affect clinical care.
7. Ability to review clinical cases for quality purposes.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Current licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Physician Assistant in the State of Florida.
2. PA-C or Family Nurse Practitioner / Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse practitioner.
3. Palliative Care Specialty Certification preferred. If not available upon hire will be required to complete as part of the orientation/transition to practice requirements
4. Prior experience as an Advanced Practice Provider preferred
5. Maintains education, licensures, registrations, and certifications in good standing in accordance with State specifications.
6. Continues to develop knowledge and skills with on-going education provided by the TGH People Development Institute.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to:

Direct: Lead APP, Manager Advanced Practice Services, and Senior Director of Advanced Practice

Indirect: Palliative Care Medical Director