GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Clinical Director and/or Registered Nurse, the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides direct nursing care to patients and performs a variety of indirect patient care duties. This position is responsible for identifying patient/family needs, and coordinating the care for the patient/family. As part of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team (IDT), the LPN contributes and follows an individualized plan of care. The LPN utilizes monitoring, intervention and teaching skills to maximize patient comfort and enhance the quality of life for the patient/family unit.
This position pledges to make the comfort and care of patients and families the highest priority; consistently provide a high level of personalized, sincere and engaging service to patients and families at all times; ensure the complete satisfaction of patients and families; promptly and effectively address all concerns.
Type of supervision exercised: none. Jobs reporting to this position: none.
EDUCATION:
Graduate of an accredited Licensed Practical Nurse Program required.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Has minimum of two years general nursing experience. Hospice experience preferred.
Experience with pain and symptom management interventions preferred.
Ability to work within an interdisciplinary setting.
Understanding of Hospice philosophy, principles of death/dying.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Current licensure as a Practical Nurse in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
CPR certification must be obtained and maintained.
Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check and PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Central Register (Childline).
Functions independently, but seeks and accepts guidance from other members of the IDT and members of the community, as deemed necessary and appropriate.
Conducts all business activities in a professional and ethical manner.
Demonstrates the highest degree of customer awareness by seeking opportunities to identify and meet the needs of internal and external customers.
Treats each person as an individual with respect and dignity.
Is receptive to questions and criticism, and willing to offer assistance.
Demonstrates genuine concern and empathy.
Maintains accountability for patient satisfaction throughout the episode of care.
Displays a willingness to utilize problem-solving techniques to ensure appropriate interventions and resolutions.
Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisors, co-workers and all others.
Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and employees.
Interacts with all staff in a positive fashion supporting the mission and vision of the organization.
Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
Needs excellent verbal communication skills.
Able to effectively manage stress.
Possess Manual dexterity sufficient for writing, keyboarding and telephone operation
Must maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Consistently performs all of the above in a friendly, courteous manner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Medium Work: duties require exerting 25 to 50 lbs. of force occasionally (approx 10-33% of shift), and/or 10-25lbs. of force frequently (approx 33-66% of the time), and/or greater than negligible amount up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects.
Position involves bending, reaching, stooping and lifting (occasionally in strained position) throughout shift. Ability to transport self throughout facility is required. Must be able to travel to patient’s homes if necessary.
ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:
Occasional exposure to blood and body substances.
Exposure to needle sticks possible.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
May work in varying conditions in patient homes (where conditions may be less than desirable).
Required Skills
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function | | effectively in the Hospice setting where the patient/family/caregiver is | | receiving care. | | | | Assists the RN and/or physician in performing specialized duties related | | to end-of-life care: | | | | - Prepares, administers, and charts medications and treatments. | | - Takes temperatures, pulses, and blood pressures. | | - Assists with admission of new patients and acquaints them with | | new surroundings. | | - Helps prepare patients for special treatments and examinations. | | - Converses with and checks residents to see that they | | are comfortable. | | - Discusses patient therapies, medications, and treatments as | | prescribed by physicians. | | - Cleans and disinfects nursing equipment. | | - Makes room checks and answers call lights. | | - Helps patients with hygiene needs. | | - Assists in passing out food trays and feeding patients. | | - Performs related work as required or assigned. | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Implements and continues the appropriate teaching in cooperation | | with the Registered Nurse. | | | | Collaborates with IDT members to provide continuous assessment of | | assigned patients. | | | | Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure | | only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical | | background and expertise in the specialty area. | | | | Works in cooperation with family/caregiver and IDT members to meet the | | physical and emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Provides appropriate information and explanation to the patient and | | patient’s family. | | | | Demonstrates expertise in the utilization of all IDT members including | | volunteers and community resources. | | | | Fulfills productivity requirements on an average daily census basis as | | determined by acuity level and Executive Director. | | | | Documents accurate, complete and relevant clinical notes regarding | | patient’s condition and care given. Maintains documentation on a timely | | basis. | | | | Observes the patient for changes in their condition and reports these | | changes to the appropriate physician and registered nurse. | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 20% (E) Follows care plans as developed by the Registered Nurse and | | | | | | contributes data to the RN in the development of the plan of care and | | | | | | assists in carrying out the plan. | | | | | | | | | | | | Attends patient care conferences, staff meetings, and nursing | | | | | | Participates in formal and informal inservices and patient care | | | | | | conferences to promote professional growth of all interdisciplinary te | | am | | | | members. | | | | | | | | | | | | Teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver regarding the progression | | | | | | of the disease process and self-care techniques as appropriate, | | | | | | including providing medication, dietary/nutritional counseling support | | | | | | and other instructions as ordered by physician, recognizing and | | | | | | utilizing opportunities for health counseling. | | | | | | | | | | | | Evaluates effectiveness of educational experiences and teaching method | | s | | | | in order to promote ongoing professional development of Hospice staff | | | | | | and quality patient outcomes for patients, families and caregivers | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 10% (NE) Manages visits and assignments for maximum efficiency. | | | | | | | | | | | | Bases visit frequencies according to individual patient needs and | | | | | | acuity. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 10% (NE) Ensures adequate and appropriate inventory of supplies and | | | | | | equipment for the provision of patient services, and promotes the | | | | | | efficient use of equipment and supplies. | | | | | | | | | | | | Maintains confidentiality in patient-related matters. | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 5% (NE) Demonstrates appropriate behavior, adhering to the agency co | | de | | | | of conduct. | | | | | | | | | | | | Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking ability when participati | | ng | | | | in IDT conferences, developing patient care plans, or completing | | | | | | assigned projects. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 5% (NE) Introduces self and clarifies role to | | | | | | patient/family/caregiver, physicians, nursing facility staff and other | | | | | | referral sources. | | | | | | | | | | | | Recognizes and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues. | | | | | | | | | | | | Communicates effectively with all members of the IDT by: | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. Defending and supporting peer/team decisions and actions. | | | | | | 2. Asserting self with tact. | | | | | | | | | | | | - Supporting collaboration and team decisions/plans. | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. Maintaining open communication. | | | | | | 2. Offering suggestions and criticisms constructively. | | | | | | 3. Asking questions and sharing information during IDT conferences an | | d | | | | nursing facility care conferences. | | | | | | | | | | | | Relates complete and pertinent information in verbal and written | | | | | | communication. Maintains clinical records, statistics, and reports as | | | | | | prescribed and in compliance with local, state and federal laws. | | | | | | | | | | | | Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with supervis | | or | | | | as well as members of the IDT as evidenced by improved patient outcome | | s. | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 2% (NE) Coordinates time for visits and manages a caseload to delive | | r | | | | care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of | | | | | | Hospice reimbursement methodologies. | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guideline | | s. | | | | | | | | | | | | Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Condit | | io | | | | ns | | | | | | | | of Participation and agency policies and procedures. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Participates in the Quality Assessment/Performance Improve | | me | | | | nt | | | | | | | | (QAPI) process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring an | | d | | | | | | | | | | | | identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and | | | | | | | | | | | | | | environmental concerns. Participates in clinical record review. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested | | . | | | | | | | | | | | | Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities as | | | | | | | | | | | | | | required. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 1% (NE) Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive | | | | | | | | | | | | | | manner. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 1% (NE) Performs other duties as assigned. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Required Experience
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB: | | | | E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function | | effectively in the Hospice setting where the patient/family/caregiver is | | receiving care. | | | | Assists the RN and/or physician in performing specialized duties related | | to end-of-life care: | | | | - Prepares, administers, and charts medications and treatments. | | - Takes temperatures, pulses, and blood pressures. | | - Assists with admission of new patients and acquaints them with | | new surroundings. | | - Helps prepare patients for special treatments and examinations. | | - Converses with and checks residents to see that they | | are comfortable. | | - Discusses patient therapies, medications, and treatments as | | prescribed by physicians. | | - Cleans and disinfects nursing equipment. | | - Makes room checks and answers call lights. | | - Helps patients with hygiene needs. | | - Assists in passing out food trays and feeding patients. | | - Performs related work as required or assigned. | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | 20% (E) Implements and continues the appropriate teaching in cooperation | | with the Registered Nurse. | | | | Collaborates with IDT members to provide continuous assessment of | | assigned patients. | | | | Accepts responsibility of assignment to perform a specialized procedure | | only when qualified with specialty training, proven competency, clinical | | background and expertise in the specialty area. | | | | Works in cooperation with family/caregiver and IDT members to meet the | | physical and emotional needs of the patient/family/caregiver. | | | | Provides appropriate information and explanation to the patient and | | patient’s family. | | | | Demonstrates expertise in the utilization of all IDT members including | | volunteers and community resources. | | | | Fulfills productivity requirements on an average daily census basis as | | determined by acuity level and Executive Director. | | | | Documents accurate, complete and relevant clinical notes regarding | | patient’s condition and care given. Maintains documentation on a timely | | basis. | | | | Observes the patient for changes in their condition and reports these | | changes to the appropriate physician and registered nurse. | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 20% (E) Follows care plans as developed by the Registered Nurse and | | | | | | contributes data to the RN in the development of the plan of care and | | | | | | assists in carrying out the plan. | | | | | | | | | | | | Attends patient care conferences, staff meetings, and nursing | | | | | | Participates in formal and informal inservices and patient care | | | | | | conferences to promote professional growth of all interdisciplinary te | | am | | | | members. | | | | | | | | | | | | Teaches the patient, family and/or caregiver regarding the progression | | | | | | of the disease process and self-care techniques as appropriate, | | | | | | including providing medication, dietary/nutritional counseling support | | | | | | and other instructions as ordered by physician, recognizing and | | | | | | utilizing opportunities for health counseling. | | | | | | | | | | | | Evaluates effectiveness of educational experiences and teaching method | | s | | | | in order to promote ongoing professional development of Hospice staff | | | | | | and quality patient outcomes for patients, families and caregivers | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 10% (NE) Manages visits and assignments for maximum efficiency. | | | | | | | | | | | | Bases visit frequencies according to individual patient needs and | | | | | | acuity. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 10% (NE) Ensures adequate and appropriate inventory of supplies and | | | | | | equipment for the provision of patient services, and promotes the | | | | | | efficient use of equipment and supplies. | | | | | | | | | | | | Maintains confidentiality in patient-related matters. | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 5% (NE) Demonstrates appropriate behavior, adhering to the agency co | | de | | | | of conduct. | | | | | | | | | | | | Demonstrates creativity and critical thinking ability when participati | | ng | | | | in IDT conferences, developing patient care plans, or completing | | | | | | assigned projects. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 5% (NE) Introduces self and clarifies role to | | | | | | patient/family/caregiver, physicians, nursing facility staff and other | | | | | | referral sources. | | | | | | | | | | | | Recognizes and responds appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues. | | | | | | | | | | | | Communicates effectively with all members of the IDT by: | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. Defending and supporting peer/team decisions and actions. | | | | | | 2. Asserting self with tact. | | | | | | | | | | | | - Supporting collaboration and team decisions/plans. | | | | | | | | | | | | 1. Maintaining open communication. | | | | | | 2. Offering suggestions and criticisms constructively. | | | | | | 3. Asking questions and sharing information during IDT conferences an | | d | | | | nursing facility care conferences. | | | | | | | | | | | | Relates complete and pertinent information in verbal and written | | | | | | communication. Maintains clinical records, statistics, and reports as | | | | | | prescribed and in compliance with local, state and federal laws. | | | | | | | | | | | | Initiates and maintains open and effective communication with supervis | | or | | | | as well as members of the IDT as evidenced by improved patient outcome | | s. | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | | | 2% (NE) Coordinates time for visits and manages a caseload to delive | | r | | | | care in a cost-effective manner that demonstrates an understanding of | | | | | | Hospice reimbursement methodologies. | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Ensures proper maintenance of records per agency guideline | | s. | | | | | | | | | | | | Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Hospice Condit | | io | | | | ns | | | | | | | | of Participation and agency policies and procedures. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Participates in the Quality Assessment/Performance Improve | | me | | | | nt | | | | | | | | (QAPI) process by finding opportunities for continuous monitoring an | | d | | | | | | | | | | | | identification of patient outcomes, intra/interdepartmental and | | | | | | | | | | | | | | environmental concerns. Participates in clinical record review. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 2% (NE) Assists and serves on committees and projects as requested | | . | | | | | | | | | | | | Participates in staff meetings, department meetings, Hospice IDT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | meetings, inservices, committees and other related activities as | | | | | | | | | | | | | | required. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 1% (NE) Participates in evening/weekend on-call as required, | | | | | | | | | | | | | | conducting on-call services in a clinically competent and responsive | | | | | | | | | | | | | | manner. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | | | 1% (NE) Performs other duties as assigned. | | | | | | | | | | | | | +--------------------------------------------------------------------- | | -- | | | | ---+ | | | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | ---+ | +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+