Palliative Nurse Practitioner

VitalCaring Group•Ridgeland, MS

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner provides comprehensive, evidence-based medical care to patients with serious, chronic, or life-limiting illnesses in their homes. Working autonomously in the field, the NP focuses on symptom management, chronic disease support, advance care planning, and coordination with existing healthcare providers so care reflects each patient's goals, preferences, and quality-of-life priorities. The role also serves as a trusted clinical resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare partners. The NP partners with patients, families, physicians, home health and hospice providers, and interdisciplinary teams. The position includes occasional on-call responsibilities as needed, participation in case conferences and quality improvement initiatives, and timely documentation in the electronic medical record. The role supports patients and families through complex medical decisions and helps coordinate proactive care to reduce avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations.

Requirements

Master's or doctoral degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
Current Nurse Practitioner license in the state of practice.
National certification through AANP or ANCC.
Current BLS certification.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for home visits.
Strong clinical assessment, critical-thinking, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while managing a mobile patient caseload.

Nice To Haves

Experience in palliative care, hospice, geriatrics, internal medicine, family practice, or chronic disease management.
Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care (ACHPN), or willingness to pursue certification.
Experience conducting advance care planning and goals-of-care discussions.
Proficiency with electronic medical records and mobile documentation platforms.
Compassionate, empathetic, and relationship-driven approach.
Comfort caring for medically complex patients and conducting difficult conversations with patients and families.
Confidence practicing independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Adaptability, organization, and commitment to exceptional care in the home setting.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive in-home physical, psychosocial, and functional assessments.
Develop, implement, and adjust individualized care plans focused on symptom management and quality of life.
Evaluate and manage pain, shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and other complex symptoms.
Prescribe medications, order diagnostic testing, and provide clinical interventions within scope of practice.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans in collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary partners.
Participate in occasional on-call responsibilities as needed.
Collaborate with physicians, specialists, home health, hospice, social workers, and community partners.
Facilitate referrals to hospice, home health, behavioral health, and community resources when appropriate.
Coordinate care that supports patient goals and helps reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
Communicate proactively with patients, caregivers, and referring providers to ensure continuity of care.
Lead conversations about advance care planning, goals of care, and advance directives.
Educate patients and families about disease progression, treatment options, symptom management, and available resources.
Provide compassionate guidance and emotional support during complex healthcare decisions.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
Ensure compliance with clinical guidelines, regulatory requirements, collaborative practice agreements, and organizational policies.
Participate in case conferences, quality improvement initiatives, and interdisciplinary team meetings.