Licensed Practical Nurse - Full-Time

Reports To: RHC Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Licensed Practice Nurse team has opportunities to practice in Hospice of Acadiana’s direct patient care departments in areas such as Clinical and Inpatient Unit. Individual assignments are determined by staffing volumes to serve identified areas with the greatest needs.

Clinical Supervisor or Coordinator will communicate the staffing needs to the LPN on a weekly basis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

1. Provides direct patient care as defined in State Nurse Practice Act.
2. Provides professional nursing care by utilizing all elements of nursing process.
3. Implements current nursing practice following an assessment plan and the plan of care.
4. Observe, record, and report to the registered nurse case manager or Clinical Coordinator on the general and mental condition of the patient, especially if there are any changes to the plan of care or in-patient status that need to be addressed.
5. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician in the physician’s plan of care while following the State or Local regulations.
6. Assists the patient with the activities of daily living and facilitates the patient’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and optional comfort care.

Communication

1. Completes, maintains, and submits accurate and relevant clinical notes regarding patients’ condition and care given. Records pain/symptom management changes/outcomes as appropriate.
2. Communicates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports change in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives physicians’ orders as required.
3. Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.
4. Teaches the patient and family/caregiver self-care techniques as appropriate. Provides medication, diet and other instructions as ordered by the physician and recognizes and utilizes opportunities for health counseling with patients and families/caregivers.
5. Works in concert with interdisciplinary team and with the family/caregiver to meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient.
6. Provides and maintains safe environment for the patient.
7. Triages phone calls during assigned shifts pertaining to caseload/assignment.

Additional Duties

1. Ensure that arrangements for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), supplies and other necessary services are available to patient/caregiver.
2. Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development and maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance and participation in on-going education and in-service classes (Relias).
3. Fulfills obligations of requested and/or accepted assignments.

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 or special projects, other than those stated in this description, by supervisors/Leadership Team.