Inpatient Serious Illness Nurse Practitioner

Founded in 1982 as Joliet Area Community Hospice, Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care is an independent, nonprofit healthcare provider licensed in 11 counties in northwest Illinois.  We provide exceptional serious illness care, hospice care and grief support for adults and children.

The majority of our direct patient care is in the field with Lightways team members providing care in the home, nursing facility or assisted living facility.  We also have a 24-bed inpatient unit in Joliet.  Non-clinical staff are based out of our Joliet administrative offices.

Inpatient Serious Illness Nurse Practitioner:

The Palliative Care/Serious Illness Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides specialized inpatient consultation for patients with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. Collaborating across hospital and community teams, the NP manages complex symptoms and guides goals-of-care and advance care planning discussions. The role ensures treatment plans match patient values, enhances quality of life, and coordinates safe transitions of care to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. This position works 4 (10 hour) shifts from 9 AM - 7 PM with rotating Saturdays. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive palliative care consultations for hospitalized patients with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
• Assess physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs impacting patient care and quality of life.
• Facilitate goals-of-care discussions with patients, families, and healthcare decision-makers.
• Work closely with hospital staff, case management, social work, and discharge planning teams to promote continuity of care
• Facilitate and document goals-of-care conversations, advance directives and transitions in care when appropriate.
• Identify barriers to discharge and collaborate with appropriate disciplines to facilitate safe care transitions
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the EMR
• Document goals-of-care discussions and advance care planning conversations appropriately
• Maintain compliance with regulatory, organizational, and payer requirements

Education/Experience:

• Current and unrestricted Nurse Practitioner licensure in the State of Illinois
• Board certification as a Nurse Practitioner (FNP, AGNP, AGACNP, APN or related specialty)
• Master's degree with a minimum of one (1) year Nurse Practitioner experience and a minimum of one (1) year hospice or palliative care experience.
• DEA license and controlled substance certification required

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Personal Time Off
• Holiday Paid