Hospice Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

JOB DESCRIPTION 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 interdisciplinary team to help meet positive patient care outcomes.

1. Provides direct patient care as defined in State Nurse Practice Act, including specialized duties related to end of life care.

2. Implements current nursing practice following a comprehensive assessment and the plan of care.

3. Provide accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care.

4. Assess and provide patient and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis and current plan of care.

5. Participates in coordination of hospice services, appropriately reporting the identified needs to the interdisciplinary group. Examples include hospice aide, Chaplain, SW, Dietician or Clinical Director.

6. Uses and prepares equipment and supplies effectively, adhering to aseptic technique when required.

7. Provides appropriate pain/symptom management. Evaluates patient's response to treatments/medications.

8. Participates in personal, professional growth and development. Also participates in organization's quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities upon request.

9. Performs other duties as assigned by the registered nurse/ Clinical Supervisor.

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

Requirements

1. Graduate of an accredited practical nurse or vocational nursing program.

2. Two years nursing experience preferred. Community health/hospice or medical/surgical experience is also preferred but not required.

3. Currently licensed as an LPN/LVN in the state of Indiana and must possess current CPR certification.

4. Minimum with two (2) years' clinical experience and hospice care experience preferred but not required.

5. 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. Driving is required throughout hours worked.

6. Demonstrates excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, and basic math skills and/or nursing skills per competency checklist.

7. Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position and/or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling and/or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.

8. Complies with accepted professional standards and practice.

9. Shows ability to organize and prioritize independently, make judgements based on assessments and data available, and act accordingly. Must be flexible, innovative, and possess good interpersonal skills. Must be able to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.

10. Be able to tolerate exposure to elements including, but not limited to: odors, blood, body fluids and excrement, adverse environmental conditions and hazardous materials.

11. Ability to work as a member of the interdisciplinary group.

12. Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.

13. Knowledge of commitment to hospice philosophy of care.