APP - Palliative Care - Mercy

As a Nurse Practitioner in Palliative Care at Atrium Health, your primary responsibilities will include providing comprehensive care for inpatients with advanced illnesses, coordinating multidisciplinary care plans, and working closely with a diverse healthcare team including physicians, registered nurses, social workers, and chaplains. You will typically manage an average of 5 to 6 patients daily, and be available for telephonic call coverage during weekends.

To apply for the Nurse Practitioner position at Atrium Health, candidates must have graduated from an accredited NP program with a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing practice, preferably with acute care or adult specialties. Additionally, you should be board-certified in hospice and palliative care within 18 months of hire.

The work schedule for a Nurse Practitioner at Atrium Health in the Palliative Care department is typically Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. While the role primarily focuses on weekdays, there is a requirement for flexibility for weekend call coverage, which occurs approximately five times per year, with most calls being managed telephonically.

While previous experience in palliative care is preferred for the Nurse Practitioner position at Atrium Health, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates with a strong interest in the field and relevant educational background are encouraged to apply, particularly if they meet the other qualifications outlined.

Atrium Health is committed to supporting the professional development of Nurse Practitioners by providing access to resources that promote growth, such as continuing education opportunities, mentorship programs, and a collaborative work environment. This allows Nurse Practitioners to thrive in their roles and contribute to delivering excellent patient care.

When discussing your experience with palliative care during an interview, emphasize your direct hands-on experience, any specific cases that highlight your skills, and mention how you collaborated with a multidisciplinary team. Show your understanding of the unique needs of patients with advanced illnesses and how you have tailored your care approach.

In your response, talk about the importance of empathy and clarity in communication. Explain that you make sure to assess the patient’s understanding, utilize teach-back methods, and encourage questions to facilitate open dialogue, thus leading to informed decision-making about care.

You can describe your organizational skills and how you evaluate the urgency of tasks. Mention techniques you use, such as maintaining a to-do list, leveraging team support, and making use of electronic health records to keep track of patient needs effectively.

Acknowledge that teamwork is critical in palliative care, as it encompasses a diverse team that collaborates to provide holistic care. Share examples of how you've worked successfully within a team, highlighting communication and cooperation to ensure comprehensive patient support.

Discuss the importance of approaching difficult conversations with empathy and sensitivity. Share strategies you use, such as active listening, validating their feelings, and providing clear and compassionate information to help guide the discussion positively.

Explain your commitment to lifelong learning and point out specific resources you use, such as attending workshops, subscribing to relevant journals, participating in professional associations, and leveraging networking opportunities with peers in the field.

You might talk about a thorough assessment approach, including utilizing pain scales, asking open-ended questions about the patient's experience, and observing non-verbal cues. Stress the importance of adjusting treatment plans based on regular assessments.

Mention the significance of self-care in preventing burnout. You could talk about specific strategies you employ, such as time management techniques, engaging in hobbies, regular exercise, or seeking support from colleagues or professional groups.

Provide a specific example of a case where you worked effectively with interdisciplinary team members, specifying how you communicated, coordinated care, and what the successful outcome of the collaboration was, demonstrating the value of teamwork in palliative care.

In your response, express your alignment with Atrium Health's mission and values. Discuss your enthusiasm for being part of a community-focused organization and how the collaborative work culture aligns with your professional goals and passion for compassionate care.