Job Summary:

The Home Health and Hospice Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is responsible for providing direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Responsibilities include following the plan of care, providing treatments, and working collaboratively with the members of the team to help meet positive patient care outcomes.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care as defined in State Nurse Practice Act, including specialized duties related to end of life care.
• Implements current nursing practice following a comprehensive assessment and the plan of care.
• Provide accurate and timely documentation of patient services to reflect the plan of care.
• Provide patient and family/caregiver education and information pertinent to diagnosis and plan of care.
• Participates in coordination of hospice services, appropriately reporting the identified needs to the interdisciplinary group.
• Uses and prepares equipment and supplies effectively, adhering to aseptic technique.
• Provides appropriate pain/symptom management. Evaluates patient’s response to treatments/medications.
• Participates in personal, professional growth and development. Also participates in organization's quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Updates the case manager and physician when necessary.
• Participates in weekend and holiday duties.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Position Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited practical nurse program.
• Three years nursing experience. Community health/hospice or medical/surgical experience is preferred.
• Understands philosophy of hospice concept. Also understands needs of the terminally ill.
• Currently licensed as an LPN in Vermont.
• Complies with accepted professional standards and practice.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.
• May occasionally be in a position to lift and/or carry an item weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
• Requires knowledge of potential exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

Standards of Conduct: Each employee is responsible for conducting themselves in an ethical manner, and reporting possible violations to the appropriate channels. Employees must be careful in both words and conduct to avoid placing, or appearing to place, pressure on subordinates or co-workers that could cause them to violate these standards of conduct or to deviate from accepted norms of ethical business practice.