Hospice LPN

The Hospice Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care to patients based on an established physician's plan of care, delivering services under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with state Nurse Practice Act regulations and agency policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in the State of Oklahoma.

• Previous experience in hospice nursing is preferred.

• Certification in Hospice and Palliative Nursing is desirable but not required.

• Strong verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.

• Must possess a valid driver's license, have access to a reliable vehicle, maintain active auto liability insurance, and be capable of driving within the service area under various weather conditions.

• Ability to maintain focus and concentration despite frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to assigned patients in accordance with the physician’s prescribed plan of care.

• Assist the Case Manager with continuous observation and care of assigned patients.

• Maintain effective communication regarding patient progress with physicians, supervisors, staff, and family members as appropriate.

• Accurately document nursing observations, interventions, and evaluations in a timely manner.

• Participate in on-call, holiday, and weekend rotations as assigned.

• Assist in evaluating patients for discharge readiness.

• Utilize medical supplies efficiently, ensuring cost-effective use without waste.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in proper working condition and report malfunctions immediately.

• Foster positive working relationships with patient care teams and other departments to ensure quality care delivery.

• Provide assistance to coworkers as needed.

• Educate patients, families, and caregivers as needed, following the physician-ordered plan of care.

• Refer patients to appropriate healthcare team members for specific learning needs.

• Notify the Case Manager of any changes in patient condition.

• Communicate with patients, families, and coworkers in a professional and respectful manner.

• Ensure patient care is delivered safely, in compliance with physician orders, agency policies, and established nursing standards.

• Participate in interdisciplinary communication and activities to ensure continuity of care.

• Attend and contribute to patient care planning conferences.

• Complete all patient visit documentation and mileage reports in accordance with agency policies.

• Maintain strict patient confidentiality.

• Recognize that the patient’s medical record is a legal document, ensuring accurate and confidential documentation.

• Enhance patient care by participating in ongoing education and training programs.

• Adhere to Progressive Home Health’s emergency preparedness plan.

• Ensure documentation is:

• • Accurate: Reflects sound nursing judgment and is completed as scheduled.
  • Timely: Submitted within 48 hours of the visit.
  • Complete: Includes all required details with a clear, legible narrative.
  • Acceptable: Meets Medicare guidelines as outlined in Progressive Home Health’s policies and procedures.

• Demonstrate sound judgment and technical skills when performing nursing procedures and treatments.

• Effectively communicate with team members regarding patient status and care needs.

• Inform the Case Manager and Administrator immediately if unable to complete a patient care assignment.

• Follow established nursing policies and procedures for all technical procedures performed.

• Apply knowledge of underlying disease processes, surgical procedures, and injuries relevant to assigned patients.

• Ensure safe administration of medications and provide appropriate patient education.

• Prioritize patient care based on the care plan and immediate patient needs.

• Assess patient responses to nursing interventions and collaborate with the Case Manager to adjust care plans as needed.

• Perform treatments and procedures with attention to patient condition, safety, comfort, and privacy.

• Identify and report normal and abnormal patient conditions accurately.

• Adhere to infection control policies and aseptic techniques for patient care.

• Follow universal precautions and isolation protocols as per agency policies.

• Comply with OSHA regulations and safety recommendations.

• Utilize proper body mechanics when lifting or transferring patients or equipment.

Organizational Relationship

• Reports to Administrator and RN Case Manager or other manager as assigned.

Functional Abilities

• Must be comfortable working in various home environments and maintain focus despite frequent interruptions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Must adapt to changing tasks frequently.

• Experience moderate stress levels in daily responsibilities.

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing as required by the role.

• Capable of performing the physical duties necessary for patient care.

• Willing and able to travel as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate physical activity, including lifting up to 50 lbs and assisting with patient transfers.

• Must have good color vision to detect subtle changes in skin tone and distinguish medication and color-coded supplies.

• Requires good hearing to quickly assess situations and respond appropriately.