OPT Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner jobs on OPT require active APRN licensure in your state, which can take weeks to months to secure after graduation. Most roles are STEM-adjacent through healthcare system employers who routinely file H-1B visa petitions, giving OPT students a realistic path to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsPalliative Care Nurse Practitioner (Inpatient)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Organization: Baylor Scott & White Health Palliative Team
Flexible Schedule: Weekday shifts 4 / 10 hr. shifts or 5 / 8 hr. shifts
About us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
We never settle by constantly striving for better.
We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Nurse Practitioner Medical Specialty is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider. They provide direct patient care and have prescriptive authority. They are credentialed, privileged, and billed as independent providers by Medicare and Medicaid. The Advanced Practice Provider offers medical care based on the supervising physician's scope of practice.
This role focuses on inpatient palliative care, supporting patients with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses. The Nurse Practitioner works within hospital settings to provide symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, and care coordination. This position partners closely with physicians, hospitalists, specialists, nursing staff, case management, and hospice teams to ensure patient-centered, goal-concordant care throughout hospitalization.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Assesses the physical and mental condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories.
- Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess patient problems and health care needs.
- Prescribes or recommends medical drug therapies or other therapeutic treatments. Performs procedures following approved protocols, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost. Recommends interventions to change behavior linked to health risks.
- Formulates and implements patient treatment plans based on assessments, evidence-based medicine, and standards of care. Works with physicians and team members when needed. Evaluates patient's response to care and its effectiveness.
- Counsels patients and families on medical processes, illness management, medication, nutrition, and health promotion. Counsels patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with food supplements, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies.
- Maintains appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes. Initiates timely consultation and referral when the problem exceeds scope of practice or expertise.
- Provides consultation level services for conditions/problems related to the Provider’s specialty and training.
- Manages patients in a healthcare setting(s) other than primary clinic setting, with a strong focus on inpatient hospital care, including:
- Conducting palliative care consultations for hospitalized patients with serious illness
- Leading goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and code status conversations
- Managing complex symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, delirium, nausea, and anxiety
- Collaborating with hospitalists, intensivists, and specialty teams (e.g., oncology, cardiology, ICU)
- Facilitating transitions of care, including discharge planning, hospice referrals, and coordination with post-acute services
- Supporting patients and families through end-of-life decision-making and care
- Participating in interdisciplinary rounds and family meetings
- Addressing ethical considerations and supporting shared decision-making
- Performs invasive procedures specific to scope of practice and proficiency of the provider as delegated by supervising Physician.
- May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on coverage needs of the department.
Key Success Factors
- Knowledge of information and techniques is needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Knowledge of palliative care principles, including symptom control, end-of-life care, and goals-of-care alignment.
- Knowledge of values, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in conducting sensitive and complex conversations.
- Interpersonal skills with the ability to support patients and families during emotionally challenging situations.
- Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills in managing medically complex patients.
- Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.
- Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes-based patient treatment plans.
- Ability to counsel patients concerning medical and psychological/psychiatric conditions, treatment plans, and behavior modification.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory and other diagnostic tests.
Qualifications
- Texas RN licensure or RN licensure with compact privilege from a state in the Nurse Licensure Compact for RNs and LVNs, and Texas APRN
- Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of Texas open to FNP, AGACNP or AGPCNP
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer
- Certification from an accredited board as an APRN for the patient population of focus required
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program
- Experience in palliative care, hospice, oncology, critical care, or hospital medicine preferred
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner (Inpatient)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Organization: Baylor Scott & White Health Palliative Team
Flexible Schedule: Weekday shifts 4 / 10 hr. shifts or 5 / 8 hr. shifts
About us
Here at Baylor Scott & White Health we promote the well-being of all individuals, families, and communities. Baylor Scott and White is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas that empowers you to live well.
Our Core Values are:
We serve faithfully by doing what's right with a joyful heart.
We never settle by constantly striving for better.
We are in it together by supporting one another and those we serve.
We make an impact by taking initiative and delivering exceptional experience.
Benefits
Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level.
Job Summary
The Nurse Practitioner Medical Specialty is a licensed, certified, non-physician healthcare provider. They provide direct patient care and have prescriptive authority. They are credentialed, privileged, and billed as independent providers by Medicare and Medicaid. The Advanced Practice Provider offers medical care based on the supervising physician's scope of practice.
This role focuses on inpatient palliative care, supporting patients with serious, complex, or life-limiting illnesses. The Nurse Practitioner works within hospital settings to provide symptom management, goals-of-care discussions, and care coordination. This position partners closely with physicians, hospitalists, specialists, nursing staff, case management, and hospice teams to ensure patient-centered, goal-concordant care throughout hospitalization.
Essential Functions of the Role
- Assesses the physical and mental condition of patients by performing and obtaining comprehensive or problem-focused physical examinations and medical histories.
- Orders, collects, interprets, and evaluates laboratory and other diagnostic tests to assess patient problems and health care needs.
- Prescribes or recommends medical drug therapies or other therapeutic treatments. Performs procedures following approved protocols, focusing on efficacy, safety, and cost. Recommends interventions to change behavior linked to health risks.
- Formulates and implements patient treatment plans based on assessments, evidence-based medicine, and standards of care. Works with physicians and team members when needed. Evaluates patient's response to care and its effectiveness.
- Counsels patients and families on medical processes, illness management, medication, nutrition, and health promotion. Counsels patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with food supplements, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies.
- Maintains appropriate records detailing the patient's treatment plans and outcomes. Initiates timely consultation and referral when the problem exceeds scope of practice or expertise.
- Provides consultation level services for conditions/problems related to the Provider’s specialty and training.
- Manages patients in a healthcare setting(s) other than primary clinic setting, with a strong focus on inpatient hospital care, including:
- Conducting palliative care consultations for hospitalized patients with serious illness
- Leading goals-of-care discussions, advance care planning, and code status conversations
- Managing complex symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, delirium, nausea, and anxiety
- Collaborating with hospitalists, intensivists, and specialty teams (e.g., oncology, cardiology, ICU)
- Facilitating transitions of care, including discharge planning, hospice referrals, and coordination with post-acute services
- Supporting patients and families through end-of-life decision-making and care
- Participating in interdisciplinary rounds and family meetings
- Addressing ethical considerations and supporting shared decision-making
- Performs invasive procedures specific to scope of practice and proficiency of the provider as delegated by supervising Physician.
- May be required to perform patient care duties beyond regular schedule based on coverage needs of the department.
Key Success Factors
- Knowledge of information and techniques is needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Knowledge of palliative care principles, including symptom control, end-of-life care, and goals-of-care alignment.
- Knowledge of values, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in conducting sensitive and complex conversations.
- Interpersonal skills with the ability to support patients and families during emotionally challenging situations.
- Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills in managing medically complex patients.
- Skill in the use of computers and related software applications.
- Ability to develop and implement comprehensive outcomes-based patient treatment plans.
- Ability to counsel patients concerning medical and psychological/psychiatric conditions, treatment plans, and behavior modification.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate laboratory and other diagnostic tests.
Qualifications
- Texas RN licensure or RN licensure with compact privilege from a state in the Nurse Licensure Compact for RNs and LVNs, and Texas APRN
- Current license to practice as a Nurse Practitioner in the state of Texas open to FNP, AGACNP or AGPCNP
- Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer
- Certification from an accredited board as an APRN for the patient population of focus required
- Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program
- Experience in palliative care, hospice, oncology, critical care, or hospital medicine preferred
Belonging Statement
We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported.
QUALIFICATIONS
- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
- EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days of hire or transfer.
See all OPT Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
Prioritize health systems over private practices
Large hospital networks and academic medical centers have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with visa sponsorship. Smaller hospice or private palliative care practices rarely have the infrastructure to sponsor work visas, making them higher-risk placements for OPT students.
Secure your state APRN license before OPT begins
State nursing board licensing timelines range from four to twelve weeks. Applying before your OPT start date prevents gaps where you're authorized to work but legally unable to practice, which can jeopardize your employment offer and OPT validity.
Confirm DEA registration requirements with your employer
Many palliative care NP roles require a DEA registration to prescribe controlled substances for pain management. Confirm whether your employer sponsors or reimburses this registration, as the process and costs can affect your start timeline.
Document all clinical hours carefully for future visa petitions
Detailed records of your palliative care caseload, procedures, and specialty rotations strengthen future H-1B visa and O-1 visa petitions. Employers and immigration attorneys rely on this documentation to demonstrate specialty occupation status for advanced practice roles.
Ask explicitly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Raise sponsorship directly, not at the offer stage. Ask whether the organization has sponsored NPs on H-1B visas before and whether they work with an immigration attorney. Past sponsorship history is the strongest signal they'll do it again.
Pursue board certification in palliative care before OPT ends
The ACHPN credential from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center distinguishes your application and reinforces specialty occupation arguments for H-1B eligibility. Employers also value it when assessing whether to invest in long-term sponsorship for an NP.
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner on OPT?
Yes, if you hold an active APRN license in the state where you'll practice. OPT authorizes you to work in a role directly related to your degree field, and palliative care NP positions qualify under nursing or advanced practice nursing programs. You must have your license in hand before your start date, not pending.
Do Palliative Care NP employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Health systems and academic medical centers that employ NPs do sponsor H-1B visas, though it's not universal. Palliative care qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role requires a graduate-level nursing degree and clinical specialty training. Browsing OPT-friendly roles on Migrate Mate helps you identify which employers have an active sponsorship track record.
Is a Palliative Care NP role considered STEM OPT eligible?
No. Nursing and advanced practice nursing programs are not on the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list, so palliative care NP roles do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT period is 12 months. Planning for H-1B sponsorship or another visa category before that window closes is essential.
What happens to my OPT if I switch from inpatient to outpatient palliative care?
Changing practice settings is generally fine as long as the new role remains directly related to your degree and you report the employer change to your DSO within ten days. Both inpatient and outpatient palliative care fall within advanced practice nursing, so the field connection holds. Always update your SEVIS record promptly to stay in status.
Can I work per diem or part-time as a Palliative Care NP on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows part-time employment of at least 20 hours per week. Per diem arrangements that consistently meet that threshold are permissible. However, some employers will not sponsor visa petitions for part-time NPs, so if H-1B sponsorship is your goal, confirm the employer's policy on sponsoring less-than-full-time advanced practice staff before accepting.