In addition to responsibilities related to the day-to-day operations of the palliative care service, this position serves as a palliative care resource to patients, families, and members of the health care team. Clinical work is performed with general independence and decision-making responsibility in accordance with palliative care clinical practice guidelines and scope of practice, the patient’s attending physician/oncology team, and the medical director for palliative care. Guidelines include general policy procedures and practice guidelines established by the department and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA), as well as appropriate professional and technical manuals.
This position is responsible for the nursing management of patients seen in the Palliative Care Clinic. The clinical nurse coordinator (CNC) manages some Palliative Care Service patients’ care independently under the supervision and consultation of the Palliative Care ARNP/PA and MD. The CNC triages phone calls for patient and caregiver concerns, performs patient assessments and teaching, and works with outpatient clinicians to carry out the patient’s palliative care treatment plan. The nurse is knowledgeable in meeting the physical, social, psychological, cultural, and educational needs of patients and caregivers. This position assists with coordinating referrals to outside agencies (e.g. hospice, home health, providers offices).
This position provides palliative care clinical education and support to physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and others as requested. The CNC may also be asked to participate in the development of patient and caregiver educational materials and other activities to support and promote high quality care for patients and families. The CNC will be expected to support quality improvement or research projects in palliative and end of life care conducted by the palliative care or supportive care services.
