Palliative Care/ED Staff Nurse

Mass General Brigham • Newton, MA

3d • $41 - $100 • Onsite

About The Position

The registered nurse provides professional and technical nursing care to assigned patients, delivering direct and indirect care through the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The nurse oversees assigned team members and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to provide population-specific care in accordance with BORN regulations and professional standards.

In the Emergency Department, the nurse identifies patients who may benefit from Palliative Care consultation, conducts initial assessments including serious illness conversations and symptom evaluations when appropriate, and coordinates with Emergency Department, Palliative Care, and other clinical teams to assess program and pathway eligibility. The nurse supports appropriate pathway placement, follows patients through subsequent steps in care, and works with clinical teams and Case Management on disposition.

The role also gathers clinical and social information to help determine the appropriate level and location of care, ensures patients are assigned to appropriate Palliative Care service lines, maintains program records and data, and participates in case review, data analysis, and quality improvement.

Requirements

• Nursing certificate or diploma required.
• Registered Nurse state license required.
• At least 2 years of experience working as a clinical RN as a member of a Palliative Care or Hospice team within the previous 5 years required.
• Demonstrated clinical competence and experience as required by the specialty area.
• Working knowledge of the Serious Illness Conversation Guide and/or Vital Talk talking maps.
• Use the nursing process and evidence-based practice to provide quality patient care throughout the episode of care.
• Create and maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for patients, self, and co-workers.
• Participate in performance improvement activities to assure quality of nursing practice.
• Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members.
• Can work in patient care environments with exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, human waste, unpleasant elements, dirt, odors, and cramped quarters, and may work with angry, agitated, or combative patients.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred.
• CHPN certification preferred.
• Experience in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify Emergency Department patients who may be candidates for Palliative Care consultation, including emergent inpatient, early inpatient, and outpatient or home-based consultation.
• Perform initial patient assessments in the Emergency Department, including RN Serious Illness Conversations and symptom evaluation when appropriate.
• Huddle with Emergency Department, Palliative Care, and other clinical teams to assess patient appropriateness for program protocols and pathways.
• Educate clinicians and staff about pathway criteria and facilitate appropriate patient entry into pathways.
• Follow patient progression through the appropriate pathway and toward the next appropriate step in care.
• Interface with the clinical team and Case Management regarding patient disposition.
• Gather pertinent clinical and social information to identify the appropriate level and location of care within the hospital or health system.
• Ensure patients are assigned to appropriate Palliative Care service lines.
• Maintain data and medical records for the NWH ED-embedded Palliative Care Program.
• Participate in regular case review, data analysis, and quality improvement efforts.
• Provide direct and indirect patient care using the nursing process and oversee assigned team members.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide population-specific care and facilitate a comprehensive educational plan.
• Provide safe, accurate, and timely medication and IV administration, and ensure complete, accurate, and timely written communication of patient information.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Differentials, premiums, and bonuses as applicable.
• Recognition programs designed to celebrate contributions and support professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree