Full-Time Facility Licensed Practical Nurse

CENTER FOR HOPE HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE
JOB DESCRIPTION

POSTION: Licensed Practical Nurse

Position Definition: The Licensed Practical Nurse, provides comfort and optimizes the quality of life of terminally ill patients. The LPN provides skilled nursing care to the patient/family/caregiver under the
direction of the Registered Nurse, as prescribed by the physician and maintains compliance with regulations as established by the NJ. State Board of Nursing, the patient, and the policies of the Center for Hope.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

1. Provides skilled nursing care and ongoing support where patient/family/caregiver is requiring care as assigned by the RN and ordered on the POC. This setting may be a patient’s home, skilled nursing facility or residential care facility.
2. Seeks and obtains sufficient information necessary to function effectively in the setting where patient/family/caregiver is requiring care.
3. Initiates and sustains as needed the implementation of orders for medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
4. Responds to the physical, mental, social, and emotional needs of the terminally ill patient and their families.
5. Carries out both pain management, and symptom management plan to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Notifies the RN when pain is not managed on current medications.
6. Initiates and applies appropriate preventative and therapeutic nursing procedures and techniques: maintains communication regarding patient care with the physician and supervisory personnel.
7. Observes the patient for changes in condition, reports these changes to the physician and appropriate supervisory personnel. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
8. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient/patients condition.
9. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
10. Uses supplies and equipment effectively and efficiently.
11. Reports to the Hospice case manager.
12. Assists the patient/family/caregiver and other team members in providing continuity of care.
13. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optimal comfort care.
14. Teaches the patient/family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet, and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients/families/caregivers. Works in concert with the other interdisciplinary team members.
15. Performs within the limits of preparation and experience.
16. Understands hospice and assisted living philosophies.
17. Completes, maintains and submits accurate clinical notes regarding patient’s condition and care given.
18. Functions as a team member demonstrating collaboration with, and responsibility to patients, physicians, and interdisciplinary team in order to meet the emotional needs, comfort and preserve dignity of the patient/family/caregiver.
19. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development; maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in continuing education and inservice classes.
20. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted case assignments.
21. Demonstrates ongoing participation in the companies QAP! program.
22. Performs other duties as assigned consistent with skills and training and the mission and goals of the agency.