Hospice LPN

Description:

SUMMARY: The St John’s Hospice Licensed Practical Nurse is a position that truly encompasses what it means to be called to nursing: career satisfaction, independence, flexible scheduling, comfortable patient-to-nurse ratio, on-going Hospice education and professional development, to include a strong emphasis on work-life balance. The Hospice LPN works under the supervision of the Hospice Clinical Team Leader and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team (IDT) who partners with each other to provide the most comprehensive plan of care that encompasses a patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual comforts at the end of life. The Hospice LPN follows an established plan of care, completes routine home visits which provides support, guidance, education, and all the comfort measures that complement Hospice Philosophy of Care. The Hospice LPN position doesn’t require an advanced clinical skillset, but it does require a compassionate bedside manner and a desire to bring comfort to those in the last chapter of their lives. A strong background working in long-term and palliative care would be preferred, although any seasoned LPN, who feels a calling into this line of nursing, are highly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Nursing

• Provides Hospice nursing care to patients in their private homes, Assisted and Independent Living communities, Long-term Care, or wherever a patient calls home.
• Works independently, yet maintains effective communication with all hospice team members: CNA’s, Social Workers, Chaplains, Hospice Medical Directors and Providers, not to mention families and primary caregivers.
• Responsible for assessing, providing, and maintaining Hospice services to meet client needs throughout the Hospice continuum of care.
• Follows all current nursing standards of practice and agency protocols in relation to all hospice services; this includes medication management, medical equipment, community resources, spiritual and social work support.
• Maintains current and accurate client records through use of computerized documentation software in accordance with St. Johns United policies; this also includes federal, state, and local guidelines.
• Collaborates and supervises the caregiving skills, customer service, and bedside manner of Home Health Aides.
• Completes routine visits to include minimal on-call duties after normal business hours on weekends and holidays; this includes all Hospice LPNs, Hospice staff and Team Leads.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and provides assistance in supporting, advocating, and promoting Hospice Philosophy of Care.
• Has a strong desire to learn about Advanced Directives, Hospice and Palliative Care, Hospice Medicare benefit, Medications at the End of Life, Comfort Measures, and much more.
• Works alongside and in conjunction with some of the finest nursing professionals in Hospice.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Safety

• Obeys safety rules of St. John’s United, as instructed.
• Identifies, reports, and/or corrects obvious safety hazards.
• Follows policy and procedures on TB testing, annual influenza vaccinations, to include attending all mandatory in-service trainings and educational material.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION: Mission/Customer Service

• Supports the growth and actively engages in the Eden Alternative philosophy, including a work environment with plants and animals.
• Follows the St. John’s Guidelines for Customer Service:
• Let the Mission be your guide
• Make eye contact and smile
• Greet and welcome each and every person
• Seek out personal contact
• Provide immediate service-listen and act
• Use appropriate body language at all times
• Be gracious to each and every person

Requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Holds and maintains an unencumbered LPN license to practice in the state of Montana; Current CPR certification (Basic Life Support) required. St. John’s United will provide CPR certification classes to all nursing staff at no cost.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• The preferred, qualified candidate will have at least two years of nursing experience in Hospice, Home Health, and/or a Skilled Nursing Facility. We will consider all LPN candidates who apply even if they don’t meet all the qualifications and/or experience we are seeking.
• Ability to understand medical and nursing terminology, to include competency in verbal and written instructions, especially when taking medical orders.
• Candidates should have strong typing skills, to include basic computer and e-mail competency in Windows-based programs, as electronic communication and patient workflows are all computer-based.
• This position also requires strong oral and verbal communication skills, emotional stability, flexibility, and high professional standards of care.
• Must be willing to supervise Home Health Aids (CNAs), and other staff members through building and practicing leadership skills.
• Must possess a valid Montana State driver’s license and provide proof of current driving insurance. Out-of-state candidates have a grace period to transfer driver’s licenses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The Hospice LPN may be required to provide direct patient care, which could include moving, rolling, and lifting patients (oftentimes with a mechanical device to help assist), so strength, flexibility, and endurance are strong qualities to possess.
• Must be able to safely lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. of medical or caregiving supplies unless medically restricted.
• Driving is required, as the Hospice LPN may have to travel to remote areas where public transportation is limited or non-existent.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves minimal exposure to hazards, blood borne pathogens, or high physical risk of injury, especially if following basic safety precautions.
• The Hospice LPN may enter patient homes that may be considered to be unlivable and intervene as appropriate.
• There may be exposure to plants and animals within many living environments, and all safety measures are taken as-needed to ensure staff are well protected in all environments where patients and animals live.
• Hospice LPN’s enjoy flexible working hours and locations where they wish to document their patient visits, to include in their own homes. There is office space and a full complement of support staff available to help resolve any conflicts or unseen challenges.

The above description of the Hospice LPN identifies the major duties and requirements for the performance of this positing, yet other duties and responsibilities may be added, altered, or changed according to the needs of St. John’s United Hospice.