Palliative Care

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Working with Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care and the Pediatric Comprehensive Pain Clinic at the UI Children’s Hospital, this role focuses on the care of inpatient and outpatient pain and palliative care patients. The position involves developing care plans and providing personalized care to pediatric patients requiring pain management and palliative care. The role performs direct patient care, including diagnostic and therapeutic services, and works as an interdisciplinary team member to lead and support quality patient care.

Requirements

A master’s degree is required. A master’s degree in nursing is preferred. If a master’s degree is in a related field, a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing.
A current RN license from the State of Iowa is required.
Current certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP – AC or CPNP - PC) and licensure as ARNP in state of Iowa is required.
Understands the Nurse Practice Act, including ARNP components.
Ability to perform technical skill and function as an independent practitioner defined by collaborative practice agreement according to Iowa Board of Nursing, and UI Health Care standards.
Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners which includes graduation from an accredited PA education program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
Active Iowa Physician License.
One to three years prior direct patient care experience in pediatric specialty OR previous experience that demonstrates knowledge of the care of sick pediatric patients in pediatric specialty is required.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Nice To Haves

Selected candidates will be expected to successfully acquire at least one of the advanced certifications within 2 years from the date of hire.
Certification as a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN) through the Hospice & Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).
Certification as a PMGT-BC (Pain Management Nursing Certification) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Previous experience or willingness to learn integrative medicine approaches, such as acupuncture, auriculotherapy, biofeedback, aromatherapy, yoga, healing touch, Reiki, or similar practices.
Selected candidates who have not previously completed advanced pain management and palliative care training will be expected to complete within the first year from the date of hire: Completion of the UCSF CME Pediatric Pain Master Class.
New APP graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive assessments focused on the pain and palliative care needs of children and families.
Collaborate with pain and palliative care team members, patient/family and other referring providers to formulate, implement, coordinate, evaluate and modify pain and palliative care plans that are individualized, multimodal/comprehensive and evidence-based.
Work with patients and families to determine their understanding of their child’s condition, proposed treatment plan and treatment options, provide appropriate education; discuss and develop goals of care and identify measurable treatment objectives.
Assist the patient, family and primary care provider(s) with implementation of the plan of care in the home and community.
Triage phone calls and provide assistance with home healthcare and hospice transitions.
Assess and facilitate referrals and consultations to other services per patient needs.
Complete documentation and billing procedures according to institutional and departmental guidelines. Ensure that documentation identifies goals of care and facilitates interdisciplinary communication.
Demonstrate accountability for evaluation of clinical practice, including adherence to organizational, state and national practice standards and codes.
Serve in a consultative and resource capacity to other divisions, departments, and the community.
Complete patient medical records, reports, and forms to record treatment for treatment record and billing purposes.
Improve quality of care by performing chart reviews and participating on performance improvement committees.
Participate in the instruction and supervision of trainees.
Participate in ongoing research and professional development of self and other staff.
Advocate for improvements in pediatric pain and palliative care through interdisciplinary collaboration and participation in professional, private, and government organizations.
Develop evidence-based standards of care and interventions for the care of pediatric pain and palliative care patients.
Participate in patient care and department quality improvement projects, including evaluating the effectiveness of the health care delivery system in meeting the health care needs of pediatric pain and palliative care patients and families.
Ensure comprehensive, interdisciplinary assessments are being performed, treatment protocols are being followed, and goals and outcomes documented.
Assist in educating healthcare team members.
Identify and evaluate data outcomes appropriate for pediatric pain and pediatric palliative care patients.
Generate research questions regarding health care for pediatric pain and pediatric palliative care patient populations.
Contribute toward the achievement of UI Children’s Hospital strategic initiatives.
Participate as a representative of the pediatric pain and palliative care team as delegated.
Utilize resources to promote efficient and effective care delivery of pediatric pain and palliative care.
Define goals for professional growth and participate actively in professional activities and organizations.
Engage in active and frequent self-care activities for personal and professional growth and longevity.