Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

JOB SUMMARY
The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse is responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Responsibilities include following the plan of care, providing treatments, and working collaboratively with the members of the team to help meet positive patient care outcomes. Pay range is $30.00 - $35.00 per hour.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides direct patient care as defined in State Nurse Practice Act.
• Implements current nursing practice following a comprehensive assessment and the plan of care.
• Provide accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care.
• Assess and provide patient and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis and self-plan of care.
• Participates in coordination of hospice services, appropriately reporting the identified needs to the interdisciplinary group. Examples include hospice aide, OT, PT, MSW, ST, Dietitian or Clinical Supervisor.
• Uses equipment and supplies effectively and efficiently.
• Provides appropriate pain/symptom management. Evaluates patient’s response to treatments/medications.
• Participates in personal, professional growth and development. Also participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the registered nurse.
• The LPN will be a role model consistently setting an example of crucial best practices to include, but not limited to, the following:
• Maintains productivity at 100%.
• During times of decreased number of referrals maintains productivity as approved by Clinical Leadership.
• To maintain productivity agrees to occasionally go outside of territory for other needs per request of Clinical Leadership.
• Consistently completes documentation timely within Namaste guidelines:
• Demonstrates completion of documentation at point of care (during the visit) for all re-visits.
• Exception(s) - an example of an exception is waiting for physician call back for orders and this should have a narrative note documenting waiting for call back and what will be requested.
• Demonstrates initiation of, or completion of, documentation at point of care (during the visit) with final completion within 24 hours:
• Consistently demonstrates all documentation is current prior to taking any time off.

Communication

• Attends Case Conference and is prepared to participate during the meeting.
• Prepares clinical notes and updates the primary physician when necessary.
• Communicates with the RN Case Manager and physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports any changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives physician’s orders as required.
• Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.

Additional Duties

• Participating in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training.
• Participates in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.
• Ensures that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.


JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Graduate of an accredited practical nurse or vocational nursing program.
• Three years nursing experience. Community health/hospice or medical/surgical experience is preferred.
• Currently licensed as an LPN/LVN in the State.
• Complies with accepted professional standards and practice.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• Understands philosophy of hospice concept. Also understands needs of the terminally ill.