IP Nursing - LPN

This position will be responsible for providing end-of- life care and hospice services to patients in the Hospice Satilla IPU. The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for assisting in planning for the patient’s and family’s care under the direction of the Asst. D.O.N. The LPN will provide skilled nursing care as directed by the D.O.N. and as described in the interdisciplinary plan of care, and will reinforce appropriate care techniques. The LPN may also assist the D.O.N./Executive Director with M.D. Rounds/ Obtaining signed POC / M.D. orders/Narratives and logging the documents. At times the LPN may be asked to discuss hospice care with patient referrals and their families.

Qualifications and Education requirements:


Graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing.
Current State of GA LPN license.
Desired two years recent (within the past five years) nursing experience in acute, long –term care or home care/hospice, with at least one in hospice or homecare preferred.
Must be able to work independently, have demonstrated patient teaching skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Computer proficiency and a working knowledge of Microsoft programs required.
Current CPR certification.
For Homecare Nurses -Valid GA Drivers License and daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle.
Belief in the hospice concept.





Position Role and Responsibilities:


Provide nursing care, to include physical and psychological care, in accordance with established policies and procedures of Hospice Satilla and consult with the RN / D.O.N. regarding any changes in the care plan.
Maintain up to date patient records to ensure that all patient issues are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
Recognize and interpret symptoms and institute remedial measures within the scope/ limits of a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of GA and report significant changes in the patient condition to RN/D.O.N. immediately.
Administer medication and treatments as ordered by the physician, with the exception of IV push medication. LPN must pass competency for intravenous/ subcutaneous administration of medication via continuous infusion. (LPN may increase or decrease dose, including delivering bolus via patient infusion pump, as per instruction and delegation of duty by the PCC.)
Reinforce appropriate interventions, medications, effects and side effects to patient, caregiver, volunteers and others as appropriate as directed by the D.O.N.
Participate in the interdisciplinary team (IDT) meeting to include exchange of information, review of problems, and sharing of professional support.
Implement care to achieve outcomes of comfortable and safe dying, self-determined life closure and effective grieving for patient and family.
Responsible for maintenance of electronic medical records, assuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with regulations, certification standards, legal and ethical standards.
Identify and address comfort care needs.
Support, instruct and educate the patient, family, and caregiver.
Coordinate patient and family services as directed by the D.O.N.
Maintain the dignity of the dying patient.
Support the patients and family’s unique spiritual and cultural beliefs.
Provide holistic, family – centered care across treatment settings to improve the quality of life.
Consult and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and others involved in the patients care.
Provide care consistent with National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization standards of practice for hospice programs.


Agency Expectations:


Adhere to all Hospice Satilla policies and procedures.
Maintain absolute confidentiality of all information pertaining to patients, families, and staff and adhere to all HIPPA rules.
Display a positive and professional image and attitude in all relationships with patients, families, peers, and in the community.
Serve as an ambassador for Hospice Satilla at all times.
Demonstrate ongoing responsibility for self education.
Assume responsibility for the promotion of the hospice concept in the community and with other agencies and professionals.
Participate in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement Program (QAPI), as requested.
Maintains patient and personal safety regarding occupational health and safety.
Participate in safety program, as requested:





Participate in employee job safety analysis to eliminate hazards and prevent accidents.
Cooperate to investigate employee injuries.
Promote and support safety awareness and implement safety operations.
Encourage staff to make suggestions on safety practices.





Participate in orientation of new employees.
Participate in volunteer orientations, training and education as requested.
Participate in orientation and supervision for students seeking experience in hospice care. Attend regularly scheduled department meetings and agency meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned.


ADA Requirements (essential functions)
Physical Requirements





Lifting More than 25 lbs. routinely




More than 50 lbs. occasionally




Transfer 150 lb. or greater patient weight




Sitting 2-4 hours/day




Standing 6-8 hours/day




Walking 6-8 hours/day




Bend, stoop, squat, and/or twist Repeatedly throughout day




Reaching 0.5 hours/day-8 ft., higher or lower




Use of telephone 2-3 hours/day




Working under pressure 3-4 hours /day




Working rapidly for long periods 2-3 hours/day




Use of keyboard/ computer, printer, fax, copier 4-5 hours/day





Position requires close work; finger dexterity; adequate hearing and vision (with or without correction).

May occasionally work longer than 8 hours/day.

Cognitive or Mental Requirements

The following cognitive or mental requirements are necessary on a daily basis:




Critical thinking
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Drawing conclusions from written or computer-generated materials
Analyzing data or report information
Creating methodologies for accomplishing a goal
Conducting research
Implementing recommendations by coordinating persons and /or other resources
Developing plans, procedures, goals, strategies, or processes
Directing activities of others to accomplish a goal
Clear verbal articulation




Working Environment




Indoors, at a patient’s bedside or at a desk
Travel required; will require transportation to get to various work sites
Possible exposure to communicable diseases
Skin contact with solvents or other chemicals such as alcohol, acetone, detergents, bleach, and latex gloves
Exposure to medical equipment with the risk of lacerations or punctures





This job description is only a summary and is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employee. This document is subject to change at any time.