Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Position Summary

Works with Nurse Case Managers (NCMs), Patient Care Managers (PCMs), and other members of the interdisciplinary team to implement the plan of care for patients and their caregivers. Utilizes the principles of palliative care and holistic philosophy to provide holistic care under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Primary Responsibilities:

Patient Care

• Works under the direct supervision of NCM(s) or the PCMs in providing patient care.
• Implements plan of care developed by the NCM(s).
• Uses sound nursing judgment in knowing what to assess, report and document. Makes routine visits to assigned patients and families under the direction of the NCM(s).
• Conducts individualized focused patient assessments; collecting data based on the patient’s immediate condition or needs within timeframe specified by Navian Hawaii’s policies, procedures or protocols. Care provided reflects compliance with federal and state regulations, along with hospice policies and procedures.
• Performs appropriate treatments as ordered by physician in an accurate and timely manner
• Manages crisis situations in a professional manner and when appropriate and when assigned, is able to provide intervention to a patient or family in a crisis situation to help re-stabilize the situation. This is done under the direction and close supervision of a registered nurse.
• Performs therapeutic nursing interventions as established by individualized plan of care to the patient and/or family
• Provides individualized patient/family education customized to the patient/family
• Documents patient assessment findings including physical/psychosocial responses to nursing intervention and progress towards pain/symptom management and all other nursing activities in accordance with hospice protocols and keeps the NCM(s) and PCM(s) informed of changes in patient condition.
• Reports to the After Hours Team at the end of each workday, information related to their patients.
• Functions as a support nurse within the framework of an interdisciplinary team.
• Requests support services from the NCM(s) as appropriate.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team conferences and shares expertise with the team.
• Maintains anticipated productivity as set by the PCM and Director of Clinical Operations.

Administrative Support

• Answer and triage calls from patients and caregivers and address immediate patient care concerns within scope of practice.
• Performs chart audits to ensure that documentation is completed thoroughly and timely.
• Assists with scheduling of clinical team including Nurse Case Managers and Hospice Aides.
• Supports other clinical administrative roles such as Team Secretaries and Admissions Coordinators as needed.

Team Member Qualities

• Maintains confidentiality in matter related to patient, family and client facility staff
• Provides care in a non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner that is sensitive to the patient/family diversity, preserving their autonomy, dignity and rights
• Demonstrates good judgment in seeking and accepting guidance; facilitates clear and honest communication with other team members.

Personal and Interpersonal Accountability

• Demonstrates a commitment to quality and corporate accountability
• Keeps abreast of educational updates in hospice and palliative care and in the field of death and dying
• Participates in the quality improvement/quality assurance/utilization review program
• Demonstrates good judgment in seeking and accepting guidance, facilitates clear and honest communication with other team members
• Completes staff annual evaluations, competencies (i.e. Safety, CPR etc.), and licensures. Demonstrates ethical conduct and judgment that is in harmony with the mission and values of Hospice Hawaii
• Participates in supporting student internships. Participates in educational outreach programs
• Orients new staff as needed
• Able to work harmoniously with a broad range of staff, volunteers and the community as a representative of Navian Hawaii
• Perform all other duties as assigned by NCM(s) and PCMs.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements

• Demonstrates knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and skills that are consistent with the scope of practice for hospice and palliative LPNs
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in assessment and reporting to the NCM(s).
• Ability to work well under the supervision of the NCM(s).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, patient/family members, the public, and representatives of other agencies and organizations
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally
• Ability to handle crisis situations in a professional manner
• Strong customer service skills and helpful attitude
• Ability to identify problems/issues/concerns and actively participate in resolution of problems
• Flexible and organized, able to manage multiple tasks at a time, and prioritize tasks
• Ability to maintain records and prepare related reports
• Familiar with concepts and practices used in a hospice setting
• Maintains physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care of oneself

Experience and Educational Requirements

• Licensed Practical Nurse with current Hawaii license in good standing to practice as a licensed practical nurse.
• At least 1 year of adult medical surgical nursing experience preferred.
• Hospice and/or home health nursing experience preferred.

Working Conditions

• Generally, indoors in-patient homes or Navian Hawaii homes, nursing, and acute care facilities; may include outdoors in all types of weather

Equipment Used

• Operates phone system, computer (Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Electronic Medical Records and e-mail), calculator, copier and facsimile machines.
• Including, but not limited to general medical equipment such as electric bed, wheelchair, shower chair, bedside commode and lifts. Medical supplies including, but not limited to dressings, change materials, needles and syringes and foley catheters or suction equipment
• Frequent use of own personal motor vehicle which meets valid registration and insurance requirements. Must possess a valid Drivers' License, current auto insurance, and reliable transportation.

Hours

• Typically Mondays through Fridays from 8 am through 4:30 pm. Position may require weekends and holidays availability.

Salary

$52,000 - $66,000 per year