LPN

Overview

Good Shepherd Hospice is seeking a compassionate LPN to serve patients and families in Duncan and surrounding communities. The Hospice LPN assists the RN in nursing assessment, planning, and care to maximize the comfort and health of patients and families in accordance with the Interdisciplinary Plan of Care. Previous experience in hospice, home health, or geriatrics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receives patient assignments from the Patient Care Manager.
• Initiates communication with RN Case Manager, hospice staff members, and other agencies as needed to coordinate optimal care and use of resources for the patient/family.
• Cultivates communication and bereavement skills.
• Maintains regular communication with the attending physician concerning patient/family care.
• Contacts families of new patient assignment and maintains regular communication as requested or desired by family.
• Obtains data on physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that may influence patient/family health status and participates in the Plan of Care.
• Maintains up-to-date patient records so that problems, plans, actions, and goals are accurately and clearly stated and changes are reflected as they occur.
• Turn paperwork into office as required by Medicare and Good Shepherd Hospice policies and procedures.
• Accepts responsibility for assisting with coordinating the physical care of the patient by teaching primary caregivers, volunteers, employed caregivers, or by providing direct care as appropriate.
• Instructs the patient and caregiver: How to administer medication, and recognize side effects, and adverse reactions. How to perform personal care and oral hygiene. How to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation, and exercise.
• Informs the RN Case Manager of unusual or potentially problematic patient/family issues.
• Attends the Hospice team meetings and other patient conferences, including care plan meetings, as deemed necessary by the Patient Care Manager.
• Provides appropriate support at time of death.
• Shares in providing 24-hour, seven days a week coverage to patients and families.
• Through individualized studies, learns and develops understanding of hospice philosophy.
• Becomes proficient in pain management through individualized reading, in-services, or seminars.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in hospice, home health, or geriatric care preferred (but not required for the right candidate).
• Must be of high integrity including maintenance of confidential information including all patient records.
• Works as a team player, following directions, and adhering to defined care plans.
• Demonstrated commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
• Can successfully pass background checks & drug screen.
• LPN-graduate of an accredited LPN program.
• Current state license as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Valid driver’s license.