Nurse Practitioner Palliative Care

Robert Downs, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, ACHPN

** ******** **, *** *********, TX 77382, Cell: 832-***-****, ***********@***.***

SUMMARY

APRN with over 20 years of experience in areas ranging from primary care to hospice and palliative care.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Landmark Health (Optum/United Health Group) 01/2023 to Current

Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (Longitudinal Provider)

Performs initial comprehensive assessment on all newly enrolled members and develops management care plan and updates as needed. Completes follow-up and post-hospital assessments on all members assigned. Prescribes appropriate diagnostics and interventions to avoid unnecessary transfers and acute admissions. Collaborates with UM staff and PCPs to enable medical necessity determinations. Educates members and/or their legal representatives in disease processes affecting members and ways to manage them effectively, as well as to promote wellness.

Oasis Hospice and Palliative Care, The Woodlands, TX. 03/2020 to Current

Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner (Part-Time position)

Perform symptom management visits to palliative care and hospice patients at their home. Also responsible for educating patients and their families on disease management, medication usage guidelines and general end of life care. Responsible for bimonthly Medicare Face to Face assessments and documentation

Optum HouseCalls (Optum/United Health Group 08/2021 to 01/2023

Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Conduct in-home assessments including an evaluation of past medical history, review of systems, medication reconciliation, vital signs and comprehensive physical exam. Perform evidence-based practice screenings including point of care testing. Identify diagnoses to be used in care management and active medical management in the furtherance of treatment. Identify urgent and emergent situations and intervene appropriately. Educate members on topics such as disease processes, medication, and compliance.

HCA Houston Healthcare West, Houston, TX. 03/2015 to 08/2021

Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

Performs the primary function of a professional leader in assessing, planning, organizing, directing and evaluating program activities on a 24-hour basis, in accordance with facility policies, philosophy, objectives and standards. Hired by hospital to design and start an in-patient acute care palliative care program. Responsible for admission assessments, daily rounds and coordinating patient/family meetings. Responsible for physician and nurse education on palliative care and hospice topics. Coordinate discharge plan including hospice referrals.

Altus Hospice of North Houston, The Woodlands, TX 08/2013 to 03/2015

Administrator and Clinical Director

Coordinated the day-to-day operations including administrative and clinical for a 120+ home hospice program. Recruited, hired and trained members of hospice care team. Directed case management and financial assessments for all patients. Fostered relationships with geriatric patients and their families. Assumed overall responsibility for oversight and management of the clinical services provided by the interdisciplinary team (IDT) within the homecare setting.

Bioscrip, Houston, TX 06/2012 to 08/2013

Operations Manager

Responsible for planning, managing and coordinating all branch operational activities for home infusion pharmacy and home health agency. Responsible for providing focus and direction to branch staff relative to the needs of the local marketplace and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Compassionate Care Hospice, Houston, TX 06/2009 to 06/2012

Administrator and Clinical Director

Supervised all clinical staff assigned to agency. Assumed overall responsibility for oversight and management of the clinical services provided by the IDT. Promoted to Administrator during this time due to proven success within company.

Houston Hospice, Houston, TX 05/2007 to 06/2009

Clinical Services Director

Assisted in the development of agency clinical goals. Provided leadership and counsel to clinical personnel to enhance staff development. Supervised all clinical staff employed by the agency. Participated in staff selection and orientation of new personnel.

Osceola Regional Medical Center, Kissimmee, FL 03/2005 to 05/2007

Case Manager

Worked as ER Case Manager for busy level II trauma center. Reviewed all admissions using Inter-Qual criteria to support the need for in-patient versus observation admission. Processed referrals for home health, DME and hospice. Floated to cover case management duties in other areas of the hospital during times of need.

Hospice of the Comforter, Orlando, FL 11/2004 to 05/2007

Case Manager/Patient Care Manager

Provided end of life care to patients assigned to my caseload. Care was provided at a variety of settings including home and skilled nursing facilities. Promoted to Patient Care Manager during this time due to proven success.

Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL 08/2001 to 11/2004

Emergency Room RN

Served as staff RN for busy urban level II trauma center. Worked as a Paramedic in the ER while completing nursing school at which time became an ER nurse. Responsible for assessment and care to patients assigned to my care.

Health Central Paramedic Service, Orlando, FL 06/1993 to 08/2001

Paramedic/Paramedic Supervisor

Served as Paramedic and Paramedic Supervisor for busy urban EMS agency. Provided BLS/ALS care to patients under my care. Supervised a crew of 12 Paramedics/EMT's and dispatch crews while still providing daily care to patients myself.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner – MSN, 2019

University of Phoenix, Orlando, FL

Bachelor of Science, Nursing, 2005

Seminole Community College, Sanford, FL

Associate of Science, Nursing, 2002

Valencia Community College, Orlando, FL

Associate of Science, EMS Technology, 2001

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Texas Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner # AP144604

Texas Registered Nurse License # 739753

Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse – Certified past 4 years

Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse -- Certified for past 20 years

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