Palliative Care/ED Staff Nurse

Mass General Brigham•Newton, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The registered nurse provides professional and technical nursing care to assigned patients through the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The nurse provides direct and indirect patient care, oversees assigned team members, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to deliver population-specific care in accordance with BORN regulations and professional standards. Embedded in the Emergency Department, this role identifies patients who may benefit from Palliative Care consultation, conducts initial assessments and serious illness conversations when appropriate, and coordinates with clinical teams to determine program and pathway eligibility. The nurse follows patients through the appropriate pathway and care transitions, supports disposition planning, gathers clinical and social information to identify an appropriate level and location of care, and ensures patients are assigned to the appropriate Palliative Care service line. The role also maintains program data and medical records and participates in case review, data analysis, and quality improvement.

Requirements

Nursing certificate or diploma required.
Registered Nurse state license required.
Demonstrated clinical competence and experience required for the specialty area.
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.
Working knowledge of the Serious Illness Conversation Guide and/or Vital Talk talking maps.
Ability to work in patient care environments with possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, human waste, and other unpleasant conditions.
Ability to work with angry, agitated, and 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 consultation, consultation within the first 24–48 hours of admission, or outpatient/home-based involvement.
Perform initial Emergency Department patient assessments, including an RN Serious Illness Conversation 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 on program pathway criteria and facilitate appropriate patient entry into pathways.
Follow patients through their selected pathway and to the next appropriate step in their care.
Interface with the clinical team and Case Management regarding patient disposition.
Gather 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.
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 coworkers.
Participate in performance improvement activities to assure quality nursing practice.
Communicate patient information completely, accurately, and promptly in writing.
Administer medications and IVs safely, accurately, and promptly.
Coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to facilitate a comprehensive educational plan.
Oversee assigned team members and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.