Hospice LPN

Hospice of Southern Kentucky offers a variety of benefits to employees. HSK offer 5 weeks of PTO for the first year or employment and 7 weeks of PTO after the first year. HSK also offers birthday bonuses to all employees annually. HSK is a family and community centric organization. We focus on the emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing of the employees as well as our patients. Come join our HSK family!

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Years of Experience: 2 years in nursing

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Education Level: Licensed to practice in KY

Reports to: Hospice House Nursing Supervisor

Date: Revision November 2019

JOB SUMMARY

The L.P.N. is a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), working under the general direction of the Medical Director, Charge RN, and Director of Clinical Services to provide skilled nursing assessment and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families. She/he identifies patient/family needs, and provides direct care in accordance with physician’s orders and the patient’s individual plan of care. He/she must have a current LPN license to practice in the state of KY.

ROLE

The LPN works under the direction of the RN. He/she supports the work of the RN, utilizing their clinical skills in the care of the patient and family and working closely with the rest of the IDG to meet patient and family needs.

RESPONSIBILITES (not limited to)

· To assist with patient/family assessment, implementation and evaluation of the nursing process.

· To initiate communication with the physician, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate care and use of resources for the patient and family/caregivers.

· To maintain regular communication with the Charge RN, or Director of Clinical Services, especially for unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.

· To maintain regular communication with the attending physician or medical director concerning patients and their families/caregivers.

· To obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status.

· To maintain up-to-date patient records so that problems, plan, action, and goals, are accurate and clearly stated and reflect changes, as they occur.

· To seek input from the team members regarding the patient for additional knowledge and support.

· To accept responsibility for coordinating physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers and employed caregivers, and providing direct care.

· To provide nursing care and skills in a safe and competent manner.

· To attend IDT meetings and facilitate discussion of issues for full staff review, consultation, and evaluation.

· To participate in agency and community programs as requested to promote professional growth and understanding of hospice care.

· To demonstrate familiarity with policies of the agency and rules and regulations of the State and Federal bodies.

· To provide appropriate support at time of death.

· To maintain accurate timely documentation.

· To administer medications as prescribed to maintain patient comfort and safety.

· To maintain confidentiality of patient and families at all times.

· To promote hospice care and philosophy in community, as the situation arises.

· To comply with accepted professional standards and principles.

· Other duties as assigned.

RESULTS

Quality patient and family care is the primary focus of the care of the hospice nurse. The nurse promotes patient comfort and symptom control, to increase the quality of the final days of life for their patients. These patients learn to trust their nurse and depend on him/her to achieve comfort and quality of life. He/she is a strong patient advocate, and assists with completing last wishes/plans of the patient.

REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a current LPN license to work in the state of Kentucky. This position requires the ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and their families, the ability to cope with patient/family emotional stress and tolerant of varying lifestyles, cultural and religious beliefs. He/she must be able to exercise judgment and discretion in confidential matters and be willing to work closely with other professionals in a team setting.

RELATIONSHIPS

The LPN is a member of the patient care team, under the direction of the physician/Medical Director. However, for quality patient/family care, he/she must work closely and effectively with the other members of the team. These internal relationships are based on mutual trust and respect, with the focus on the patients and their families. He/she will, also, need to cultivate other internal relationships, with secretaries, management, volunteers, etc.

This position may require developing relationships outside the hospice staff, including vendors and other professional healthcare staff. The Hospice LPN will be in the community eye and will need to promote and build these relationships. These external relationships will help increase the use of hospice care and knowledge of hospice throughout the community, therefore helping many more people.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending, stretching or lifting, and full range of body motion. This position requires the ability to work under high stress conditions for long periods of time. Requires corrected vision, ability to hear normal range of voice, drive, and negotiate steps, walkways or housing not designed for handicap access. May require contact with individuals with communicable disease and body fluids. Occasionally, requires maneuvering items weighing over 100 pounds. Able to

work in normal office environment, use office equipment, and prepare written reports.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Work Location: In person