Why Join Us? 

For us, what matters most is excellence. We are caring professionals, people who live, work and dedicate themselves to the communities of Central New Jersey. As such, we strive to provide a sanctuary of excellence, precision, thoroughness and genuine compassion. We also take a whole-person approach to patient care and treatment, tailoring all that we do around their unique needs. And we do all we can for patients, going the extra mile to see that they’re supported, informed and getting the one-on-one care and service they deserve.

Provides consultation and administration of specialty-level palliative care, pain management, symptom management and supportive care to meet the needs of oncology patients at Astera Cancer Care. The APN will join our pre-existing Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care program as a specialist assessing the patient's condition and developing a plan of care focused on improving the patient’s experience living with cancer. The plan of care is developed to reduce/manage symptoms, educate the patient and caregiver, facilitate clarification of patient and family goals of care, assist the patient/caregiver in deciding next steps of care depending on the individual needs and condition of the patient and provide support and ease of access to vital services to improve quality of life. Additionally, the NP communicates with all members of the care team to insure a high level of care coordination.

Essential Job Functions:

· Perform office-based and telemedicine palliative care visits utilizing strong, comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the patient and their families.

· Collaborate with the patient's medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, surgeon, advance practice providers and, other health care team members to develop realistic care expectations based on goals of care.

· Facilitate patient and family decision making regarding treatment decisions and perform advance care planning visits.

· Prescribe pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

· Monitor patient's response to treatment modalities and revise plan as needed.

· Assist in all facets of care coordination for palliative care referrals.

· Communicate effectively with patients and families for understanding of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plans.

· Document and bill accurately for palliative care services provided.

· Serve as a resource and educator to healthcare team members regarding palliative care, serious illness, and end-of-life care management.

· Develop and maintain effective working relationship with providers, staff, leaders, and community organizations to promote positive image; heighten awareness and promote collaboration.

· Partners with palliative care program director and practice leadership in the development and growth of the Palliative Care Program.

Must be able to travel to multiple practice locations within New Jersey.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited Palliative Care, Acute, Geriatric, Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s program.

• Board Certified APN (as a Palliative Care, Acute, Geriatric, Adult or Family Nurse Practitioner preferred).
• Three+ years of experience as a nurse practitioner in clinical nursing care of palliative care, oncology, adult/family practice, oncology or geriatrics preferred.
• o Advance certification in hospice and palliative nursing care (ACHPN) preferred; required to obtain within 18-months of hire and maintain throughout employment.
• Experience with palliative care and/or hospice strongly preferred.