LPN On Call

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 recognizing side effects, and adverse reactions.
• How to perform personal care and oral hygiene.
• How to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation and exercise.
• Disaster/Safety Management.
• How to prepare for the events preceding death.
• 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, learn and develop understanding of hospice philosophy.
• Become 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.