What is a Nurse Practitioner?

It’s no secret that the transition to hospice can be challenging, not only for patients, but for their families and friends as well. There can be many new faces to recognize, from coordinators and volunteers to the many medical professionals in scrubs or white coats. Today, during Nurse Practitioners Week,  we’re introducing you to a very important member of the Crossroads Hospice staff: the nurse practitioner.

What exactly does a nurse practitioner do?  

“We are an extra set of eyes,” says Crossroads Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Bennett. “We’re there to catch the subtle changes.” Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses, which means they can assess, diagnose and treat illnesses—and they have the authority to prescribe medication.

When will you meet a nurse practitioner?

At Crossroads, families often meet a nurse practitioner about six months after they begin services. In 2011, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began requiring face-to-face assessments every 60 days for patients who have been on hospice for more than six months. At Crossroads Hospice, nurse practitioners are essential in performing these clinical assessments. These 60-day evaluations are required to provide a detailed report on the patient’s current state and an evaluation of the disease progression.

What should you do when you meet a nurse practitioner?

Ask questions! Elizabeth encourages families to not be wary of that visit and to treat it just as they would a doctor’s appointment. It’s a great time to find out more about your family member’s care and condition. “Like everyone on the team, the nurse practitioner approaches care from a holistic standpoint. We provide clinical support for nurses, but we also provide support and education to families,” Elizabeth explains.

Thanks to all the Crossroads nurse practitioners. We are grateful for the compassionate care you provide.