Licensed Practical Nurse

RiverStone Health has served the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years as an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health, Education, Leadership and Protection – HELP is what we do. From medical, dental and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services like immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals, our expertise spans all ages and stages of life. Underlying principles of access, affordability, compassion and quality guide all interactions, improving life, health and safety for the communities we serve.

About the Role

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs selected nursing and personal care, support, and training for hospice patients, family, and caregivers based on the established plan of care. The LPN provides intermittent nursing care in various residential properties, personal care homes, and assisted living facilities. Primary duties include assessing the patient’s home environment, providing care and instruction, and communicating observations and changes to the team members.

RiverStone Health Hospice Services cares for terminally ill patients who choose comfort-oriented care over curative treatment, emphasizing quality of life. Care and grief support services are provided wherever the patient calls home—most often in private residences, but also in nursing homes or other facilities. Working with the patient and family, our hospice team of professionals and volunteers helps relieve physical symptoms and reduce psychological, social, emotional, or spiritual distress. 24-hour on-call nursing services are available to meet urgent needs.

Responsibilities

• Provides quality and safe delivery of hospice services according to the plan of care and under the direction of a registered nurse (RN), including:
  • Wound/Decubitus care requiring aseptic technique
  • Catheter care, including irrigation treatment and catheter changes free of complications
  • Administering care, treatments, and medication in compliance with physician’s orders
  • Injections
  • Bowel program treatment
  • Medication management
  • Appropriate health teaching
• Performs personal care services as directed by nursing per the plan of care.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients of all age groups, demonstrating understanding of growth and development through the life span.
• Maintains universal precautions and safety measures according to RiverStone Health policies and procedures.
• Documents care provided for the patient encounter in the electronic medical records in a timely manner, including observations, activities, and other data related to the patient’s clinical condition and care.
• Communicates with and supports caregivers regarding the patient’s condition and relieves caregivers as required.
• Informs the primary RN or Nursing Supervisor promptly of any changes in the patient’s condition or needs.
• Communicates a report to appropriate healthcare team members for continuity of care, including reporting changes in the patient’s condition to the physician and family as needed.
• Attends case conferences as scheduled, whether in-person, telephonically, or electronically.
• Maintains knowledge of and compliance with current Medicare/Medicaid, state regulations, HIPAA, and accreditation regulations for home health services.
• Contributes to quality processes through performance improvement techniques that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care.
• Participates in a rotating on-call shift schedule to ensure patient care needs are met after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Covers needs and visits in home health as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of RiverStone’s mission and goals.

Requirements

• Completion of a State-accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program.
• Licensed as a Practical Nurse in the State of Montana.
• Valid Montana Driver’s License and vehicle insurance.
• Current BLS certification.
• Ability to lift and/or maneuver patients, including up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally; must ask for assistance when needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and perform tasks requiring close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to travel and use a personal vehicle in all weather conditions.
• Willingness to work in home environments that may include allergens such as smoke or pets.
• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult interactions and display non-judgmental, empathetic listening skills.
• High degree of detail-oriented skill and ability to prioritize tasks under pressure.
• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively to maintain a positive work environment.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure efficiency and quality customer service.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to operate or quickly learn electronic medical records.

Qualifications

• Preferred:
  • Experience working with hospice patients.
  • Experience working with underserved populations.
  • Experience in a customer service environment.
  • Minimum of two years of nursing experience.

Skills

• Critical thinking and independent professional judgment.
• Interpersonal, cognitive, and technical competencies consistent with the organization’s mission and values.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties with accuracy and speed under time-sensitive deadlines.
• Willingness to quickly learn and use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and technology.
• Customer service excellence, including:
  • Doing things right the first time.
  • Making people feel welcome and showing respect.
  • Anticipating customer needs and concerns.
  • Keeping customers informed and going the extra mile.
  • Responding quickly and protecting privacy and confidentiality.
  • Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette and taking responsibility for handling complaints professionally.
  • Taking ownership of your attitude toward service excellence.

Pay

$28.70 to $35.66 hourly, depending on years of transferrable experience and internal equity.

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt position. Monday through Friday, with a rotating on-call shift schedule to cover after-hours, weekends, and holidays.