LPN

Department: Hospice Joint Venture SVH
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 1.000000
Base Wage $33.49 to $48.63
Location: Hospice of the Northwest

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary

The LPN provides nursing services under the direct supervision of a registered nurse following a plan of care as ordered by the physician and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Functions as a coordinator to ensure records are complete to enable physicians to successfully complete appointments; responsible for the processing of incoming labs and test results for the assigned physician group; liaison between the patients and their doctors. Is clinically competent; delivers care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Effectively interacts with patients and other health team members while maintaining standards of professional nursing.

Essential Functions

Demonstrates ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. Ability to communicate clinical / educational knowledge to others (i.e., students, staff, patients and families, caregivers) and maintain up-to-date knowledge and communicate new trends/techniques in nursing and demonstrate knowledge and skills to care for specific age groups under his/her care (i.e., newborn, pediatric, adult, geriatric). If applicable, assist MA's as needed, taking brief histories and vital signs. Utilize excellent interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with patients/families from a variety of backgrounds and with varied emotional and medical needs. Ability to demonstrate excellent oral, written, visual, and auditory skills in order to communicate, deliver safe patient care, and document patient care (including the nursing competency assessment checklist if applicable) and use various teaching methods and to adapt these to patient and family education level and learning style. Utilize excellent interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively with patients/families from a variety of backgrounds and with varied emotional and medical needs. Demonstrates ability to function as part of an interdisciplinary team. Skilled in identifying and problem solving quality improvement issues by participating in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI) process, chart review, and the education of staff. Exhibit efficient time management skills to independently manage assignments, i.e. to schedule visits (if applicable), attend required meetings, and respond to urgent needs by prioritizing and triaging multiple concerns. Willingness to learn and apply an understanding of the healthcare financial environment, reimbursement, Conditions of Participation and CHAP standards and communicate to patient/family. Demonstrates accountability for professional nursing practice, commitment to patient care and commitment to uphold the Patient Bill of Rights. Maintains regular communications with the Program Manager or designee to review caseload management and consults with Program Manager or designee regarding decisions impacting clinical staff and the delivery of care. Informs the Program Manager or designee of unusual or potentially problematic issues. Make decisions in conjunction with the Program Manager that reflect thorough consideration of alternative and creative solutions. Shows sensitivity to the impact of decisions on others. Actively participates in program development via committees, task forces, or educational efforts. Adheres to Administrative SRH/Nursing Service policies. Does not incur excessive overtime. PROBLEM SOLVING- Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow-up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participate in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet client expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY - Consistently demonstrates the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary. Minimizes non-productive time and fills slow periods with activities that will enable you to prepare to meet the future needs of the organization (education, organizing, housekeeping, assisting others). Organizes job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames. Consistently demonstrates the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - Attends required annual in-service programs. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement to annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 75% of scheduled staff meetings and reads and signs all minutes of meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SRH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES - Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SRH's infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation (BSI) and the Exposure Control Plan, which reflects OSHA Blood-borne Pathogens Standard to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SRH is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SRH and departmental attendance policies as documented on the Employee Attendance Record. Demonstrates adherence and support of SRH-Wide Service Standards and SRH/Department Safe Practices Standards. Complies with all SRH Policies and Procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by Manager or Designee. Maintain ability to float to other departments/locations as assigned.


Education

License Practical Nurse Degree and current license in Washington State.

Experience/Training

Minimum of two years applicable clinical experience as an LPN preferred.

License/Certifications

Current Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure in Washington State. Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Certification (BLS) required. Hospice LPNs: Current Washington State driver's license and insured (must provide proof of insurance), and have or have access to reliable transportation (travel to patient's homes is a requirement of this position).


Other Skills

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, and customer service skills. Must possess strong organization skills, with the ability to work independently while coordinating multiple competing priorities. Must have the ability to handle conflict in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude at all times, serving as a positive role model for the team. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and stay organized while remaining flexible and cooperative in performing job responsibilities. May provide training to co-workers, clients, peers on a variety of subjects from nursing practices/trends/techniques to new employee training as requested. Participates in staff selection, orientation of new personnel, and if qualified serves as a preceptor. Works efficiently, always striving toward improved processes that save time and energy while promoting safety and compassion. Minimizes waste/good steward of limited resources.


Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and driving all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position may require driving and working in various outdoor venues and locations such as hospitals, clinics, and patient homes for which there is little over environmental conditions.


Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.