Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Care

Licensed Practical Nurse, Home Care - Hendersonville, TN

Location: Hendersonville, TN

Status: Full - Time

Days: Monday - Friday

Hours: 40/week

SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Licensed Practical Nurse serves as care giver for assigned patients. Responsible for identifying and coordinating patient/family needs and for providing preventive and supportive care to the terminally ill patient/ family unit. The hospice nurse utilizes assessment, intervention and teaching skills in caring for the patient/family unit. The LPN also performs various personal care services as necessary to meet the patient's needs and to promote the patient's comfort and assist in providing a safe patient environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Using nursing process and current standards of practice provides nursing care to assigned patients.
2. In collaboration with IDT, patient, and family, establishes and implements hospice plan of care.
3. Anticipates the need for and initiates interventions to prevent complications and to alleviate physical and psychological discomfort.
4. Organizes and completes work in an effective and time efficient manner.
5. Notifies Medical Director/designee, Registered Nurse, and IDT of patient needs and/or changes in condition.
6. Provides and maintains safe environment for patients, families, and other employees. Uses equipment and supplies safely and properly.
7. Completes documentation per procedure and standards of practice including documentation.
8. Provide emotional support to patients and their families.
9. Administer medications as ordered.
10. Educates patients and/or families in disease process, hospice care, and signs/symptoms of approaching death.
11. Implements and follows physician orders.
12. Notifies Charge Nurse or Clinical Director of significant changes in patient condition and any unrelieved symptoms.
13. Gives complete report to assigned case manager as needed.
14. Reports complaints, issues, and incidents to Clinical Director or IPU Administrator.
15. Delivers care in a cost-efficient manner.
16. Attends patient deaths.
17. Works to ensure continuity of care with other team members.
18. Assists the patient in the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) including personal care, hygiene, bathing, back rubs, shampoo, skin and nail care, shaving, eating, dressing, elimination, ambulation, transfers, changing and making the patient’s bed. Very light housekeeping to provide a clean and safe patient environment and meal preparation as directed by care plan.
19. Other duties as assigned.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current Tennessee LPN License. Hospice certification preferred. If required to drive to carry out the duties of this position: current driver's license and automobile insurance as required by Tennessee State Law.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

License Practical Nurse with a current nursing license. Knowledge of or willingness to learn hospice care. Minimum one year nursing practice or equivalent experience required. Hospice, Oncology, or Home Health and/or long-term care preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current Tennessee LPN License. Hospice certification preferred. If required to drive to carry out the duties of this position: current driver's license and automobile insurance as required by Tennessee State Law.