LPN HOSPICE Full time

General Summary:
The HOSPICE Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse provides supplemental nursing care to patients in accordance to the plan of care as developed by an RN and the interdisciplinary group (IDG).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1.   Sensitivity to the dynamics of death, dying, and bereavement.

2.   Commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.

3.   Current State driver’s license and mechanism for transportation.

4.   Effective verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills and leadership qualities.

5.  Personal qualities enabling him/her to work effectively with patients, families, staff, and physicians.

6.   A desire for continued personal and professional growth and development.

7.  Utilizes proper body mechanics while performing all physical care.  Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds, and perform personal care on a patient who weighs up to two hundred and fifty (250) pounds.

8.   Physical and emotional health necessary for the accomplishment of the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1.  Provides nursing care, including treatments to the patient in the home setting, with a focus on pain control and symptom management and in accordance with agency policies.

2.   Observes on an ongoing basis, the patient/family situation with particular attention to the physical needs of the patient and notifies RN of any significant changes.

3.   Assist with educating the patient/family regarding care and other identified needs related to the illness of the patient.

4.   Offers emotional support to the patient/family during the dying and grieving process.

5.   Assists with the coping of the patient/family through anticipatory guidance of events throughout the disease process.

6.   Participates in IDG meetings and patient care conferences.

7.   Assists the RN or physician in performing specialized duties as assigned.

8.   Assists the RN in carrying out the plan of care.

9.   Documents care provides in an appropriate and timely manner.

Education and Experience:

A graduate of an accredited school of practical/vocational nursing who is currently licensed as a Practical/Vocational Nurse in our State.  At least one (1) year of professional experience in the delivery of nursing services, preferably two (2) to five (5) years.

Must wear a smile