Licensed Practical Nurse (Prn)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides nursing care and education to patients and families receiving all levels of hospice care in compliance with Arkansas Hospice policies and procedures and all state and federal regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an approved program of practical nursing.

Licensure: Licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Experience: Minimum of one year nursing experience; hospice or home health agency experience preferred.

Additional Requirements: Valid Arkansas driver’s license, personal automobile, automobile insurance, and personal cell phone required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Follows Plan of Care for each assigned patient.
2. Observes the patient; evaluates the care needs of the patient; applies his/ her knowledge of nursing skills to the patients to whom he/she is assigned.
3. Accurately reports and documents the patient's condition and care, including signs and symptoms which may be indicative of change.
4. Provides nursing care to assigned patients receiving Continuous Care Level of Hospice Care (CC), following care plans developed by the RN case manager addressing patient care needs and documenting care per Arkansas Hospice process for CC.
5. Prepares clinical/progress notes and incorporates into the clinical record. Prepares summaries in cooperation with the RN supervisor.
6. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living while teaching appropriate self-care techniques.
7. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
8. Provides optimum physical and emotional support to family and patient in terminal phase of life.
9. Assists the physician and registered nurse in complex nursing situations as needed.
10. Participates in the interdisciplinary team meeting, in-services, and other programs and meetings as needed.
11. Performs within limits of preparation, experience and Scope of Practice as defined by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing
12. Performs treatments as assigned per hospice's Interdisciplinary Plan of Care for each individual patient assigned to his/her care.
13. Confirms, on a weekly/daily basis, the schedule of patients assigned with the Inpatient Manager or Patient Care Coordinator to coordinate visits or care assignments with other personnel.
14. Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
15. Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
16. Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
17. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
18. Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
19. Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.
20. Actively participates in QAPI program.
21. Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

THIS SECTION DESCRIBES WHAT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY AN EMPLOYEE IN THIS POSITION SHOULD CURRENTLY POSSESS. THIS LIST MAY NOT BE COMPLETE FOR ALL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

1. Knowledge of palliative care with emphasis on symptom control associated with terminal illness and a working knowledge of oncology.
2. Knowledge of the holistic approach toward patient care and the nursing process as it applies to hospice patients and families.
3. Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.
4. Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
5. Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief
6. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
7. Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and other customers.
8. Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.
9. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
10. Ability to work as a team player.
11. Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
12. Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
13. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because it requires the regular handling of confidential and/or proprietary Arkansas Hospice and patient information, performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine. Any lapse of attention could have a significant impact on Arkansas Hospice and/or its patients, and could result in injury, illness, or death. For the safety and health of yourself and others, you must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and concentrate for long periods of time while performing life-threatening procedures, monitoring and/or operating equipment used to perform medical procedures, and/or working with controlled substances and/or medicine.