Hospice LPN Field PRN

Description

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.

Qualifications

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.