POSITION TITLE: LPN VISIT NURSE

FLSA STATUS:NON-EXEMPT

REPORTS TO: Clinical Team Leader

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Performs nursing procedures and care to assigned terminally ill patients after a Registered Nurse has prepared and implemented the Plan of Care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of an accredited LPN program.

Licensed to practice practical nursing in the state of Indiana.

Prefer at least one (1) year of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Currently certified in CPR, must obtain within 6 months of hire if not certified.

Must be able to safely perform the job's essential functions without posing a direct threat to the health and/or safety of him/her, or to others in the workplace.

Must have a current motor vehicle operator’s license and have access to an automobile with current automobile insurance coverage.

Must be able to drive independently to all patient/family clients’ homes.

Ability to recognize the needs and emergencies of hospice and palliative care patients. and provide appropriate interventions.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Strong assessment skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Must be capable of functioning independently in the patient's setting within the scope outlined by the regulatory bodies of the home health and hospice agency

1. The LPN will provide patient care under the supervision of the Registered Nurse (RN) and therefore may not case manage.

2. The LPN may complete all assessments outside of the initial assessment and recertification assessment.

3. The LPN may not write the initial POC but can make suggestions as needed with the supervision of an RN.

4. The LPN may assess the use of restraints on any patient at established timeframes.

5. The LPN may be the skilled nursing care provider during a continuous care episode.

6. The LPN may take a verbal order from a physician so long as they obtain the RN's signature prior to implementation.

7. The LPN may not complete the HIS or OASIS assessments.

Implements Agency policies in all work-related situations; orientation of patient/family to hospice benefit services, including identifying the role of team members.

Follow state and Agency policies and procedures when legally pronouncing a death. Specifics of the death event will be documented in the clinical record; required information is communicated/submitted to appropriate parties. The patient’s body will be handled with respect and dignity and in accordance with individual patient/family requests.

Respect the cultural and religious traditions and beliefs of the patient/family.

Recognize and maintain professional boundaries in relationships with the patient/family/caregiver.

Documents findings accurately, in a timely manner, and on appropriate forms according to Agency's procedures.

Delivers nursing care to patients, which includes pain/symptom management, teaching, providing direct care, case management, referral, advocacy and monitoring.

Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients/families. This includes confidentiality of personal matters as well as patients', coworkers' and Agency's business.

Follows orders from patient’s physician and informs physician and other personnel of changes in the patient’s condition and needs.

Demonstrates understanding of hospice philosophy and concept of care and considers the patient/family as a unit of care.

Assists with the preparation, implementation, and continuing evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care.

Provides for the emotional and physical comfort and safety of patients. Adheres to Agency policies in all work-related situations.

Observes, records, and reports to the appropriate person symptoms, reactions, and changes, including:

1. General physical and mental condition of patients and signs and symptoms that may be indicative of untoward changes

2. Stresses human relationships between patients, patients and personnel, and patients and their families and visitors.

Orients patient/family to hospice services, including identifying the team member's role.

Anticipates problems related to the impending death of a patient and pursues problem resolution.

Remains flexible for patient coverage and accepts responsibility under adverse conditions, such as weather-related crises.

Maintains expected and acceptable productivity.

Works in a cooperative relationship with other Agency personnel.

Seeks appropriate clinical supervision.

Participates in the Agency's committees and task forces.

Assumes responsibility for continued personal growth and development.

Participates in on-call rotation as assigned.

Seeks educational opportunities to improve clinical practice and participates in in-service programs.

Follows orders from the patient’s physician and informs team members of changes in the patient’s condition and needs.

Coordinates care and services with other health care providers as directed by RN.

Performs selected nursing procedures in those circumstances where appropriate, including but not limited to:

1. Administration of oral, sub-q, and IM medications and treatments prescribed by the physician; LPN cannot administer chemotherapy infusions.

2. Preparation and care of patients receiving specialized treatments administered by the physician or the Registered Nurse. (This includes intravenous fluids and medications only if the LPN has demonstrated competency. It also includes maintaining job on hi-tech equipment and maintenance of same equipment only if the LPN has been checked off and demonstrated competency.)

3. LPN is not to give the first dose of IV fluid or IV medication.

4. Provides hygiene care.

5. Flush ports.

Other responsibilities are as directed by the supervisor within levels of expertise.

Critical Skill Sets and Attitudes:

1. Proficient and timely in all aspects of clinical documentation, including computer data entry.

2. Proficient in blood draws, all routine patient treatments (dressing changes, catheters, etc.), pain and symptom management, care of the patient and family including pediatric and HIV patients; Mantoux administration.

3. Proficient in all aspects of IV care, including programming of IV pumps, tubing changes, site care, and subcutaneous access.

4. Display compassion, be a team player, have an optimistic outlook, and be adaptive, accountable, and customer-driven.

The published compensation range for this position reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full-time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The base pay may be higher or lower based on demonstrated job-related experience.