LPN

Overview

Good Shepherd Hospice is seeking an experienced hospice LPN to work on call in Newton and surrounding communities.

The On Call Nurse manages the after hours nursing needs of our patients and families by responding to phone calls promptly and appropriately, and making patient visits as necessary.

• On Call/Full-time position
• Hospice experience 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:
  • a. How to administer medication, and recognizing side effects, and adverse reactions.
  • b. How to perform personal care and oral hygiene.
  • c. How to assist in lifting, moving, ambulation and exercise.
  • d. Disaster/Safety Management.
  • e.  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
• LPN-graduate of an accredited LPN program
• Current state license as a Licensed Practical Nurse
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid Nursing License
• Strong organizational and self-management skills
• Can successfully pass background checks