Position Description

The Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides specialized, community-based palliative and end-of-life care to individuals and families living in KCA-affiliated First Nations communities. The position also supports complex home-based care for frail older adults and medically vulnerable individuals who experience barriers to accessing clinic-based services.

The NP focuses on improving comfort, quality of life, symptom management, care coordination and support for clients and families living with serious, life-limiting or advanced illness. Care is guided by the client's goals, preferences, cultural values and wishes regarding their care and place of care, where clinically appropriate and feasible.

The NP works collaboratively with community-based physicians, primary care providers, nurses, Home and Community Care, palliative care specialists, Indigenous client navigators, traditional health and wellness supports, and other health system partners.

The position will support individuals to receive appropriate care as close to home and community as possible, including coordination of services during transitions between hospital and community settings. The NP will contribute to a coordinated approach to palliative care across KCA communities and participate in shared-care arrangements with regional palliative care providers as established.

Position Title

Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Palliative and End-of-Life Care (new position)

Department

Primary Care

Term

Full Time Permanent

Location

KCA and affiliated First Nation Communities

Reports to

Director of Health

Hourly: Starting at $60

Duties and Responsibilities

Palliative and End-of-Life Assessment and Care Planning





- Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients with serious, life-limiting or advanced illness.
- Assess physical symptoms, functional status, psychosocial needs, family and caregiver supports, and goals of care.
- Develop individualized palliative care plans in collaboration with clients, families and the interdisciplinary care team.
- Review and update care plans as health status, symptoms, goals or circumstances change.
- Support clients and families in understanding available care options, expected disease progression and decisions related to comfort-focused care.
- Facilitate advance care planning and goals-of-care discussions in a respectful and person-centred manner.
- Support informed discussions regarding resuscitation status, treatment preferences and care planning, consistent with applicable legislation and professional standards.

Symptom Management and Comfort Care

- Assess and manage pain and other symptoms associated with serious illness and end-of-life care.
- Assess symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, anxiety, constipation, delirium and other sources of distress.
- Develop and monitor individualized symptom-management plans.
- Prescribe and manage medications within the NP’s scope of practice and applicable legislation.
- Review medications to support comfort,



safety and appropriate use.
- Identify uncontrolled symptoms or clinical deterioration and arrange consultation, referral or escalation when required.
- Coordinate access to appropriate clinical supports, equipment, medications and services to support comfort and safety at home.
- Work with physicians and palliative care specialists when additional expertise or intervention is required.

Complex Home-Based Care and Support for Frail or Medically Vulnerable Individuals

- Conduct home visits for clients whose frailty, functional limitations, complex medical needs or other barriers make clinic-based care difficult.
- Complete comprehensive assessments of health status, functional ability, care needs and available supports.
- Identify risks affecting the client's ability to remain safely at home or in their community.
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, caregivers and community-based providers.
- Review medications and treatment plans for clients with complex health needs.
- Coordinate appropriate follow-up, referrals and additional services.
- Identify caregiver support needs and connect families with available resources.
- Work collaboratively with primary care and Home and Community Care to support continuity of care.
- Recognize when the client's needs exceed available community resources and facilitate appropriate escalation or alternative care arrangements.

Client, Family and Caregiver Support

- Provide information, education and emotional support to clients, families and caregivers throughout responsible illness and the end-of-life process.
- Help families und

📌 Nurse Practitioner – Palliative and End-of-Life Care (Northeastern Ontario)
🏢 Kenora Chiefs
📍 Northeastern Ontario