Position Summary

The primary purpose of your job position is to provide hospice services according to physician’s orders and patient plan of treatment based on hospice policies and procedures, through the application of the nursing process.  As a hospice LPN you work directly under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Relationships

Reports to:  Director of Clinical Services

Others:  Interacts with IDT and administrative staff

Duties and Responsibilities

• Stewards the philosophy/mission of PH Healthcare, Inc which focuses on the overriding values of human dignity and respectful response to the needs of persons with life threatening/terminal and/or chronic illnesses.
• Follows the Nursing Standards of PH Healthcare, Inc.
• Builds and maintains positive working relations with potential referral sources.
• Perform nursing visits as needed.  Notify case manager or physician of any abnormal findings.
• Demonstrate familiarity with policies of the hospice, state, and federal regulations pertaining to hospice and general nursing services.
• Implement hospice nursing care in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Make written and oral reports/recommendations to the Director of Clinical Services as necessary/required, concerning the operation of the nursing service department.
• Participate in the hospice quality assurance program as directed by the Director of Clinical Services.
• Build effective relationships with contracted facility nursing staff to ensure that the hospice care service is well integrated into the facility plan of care for hospice patients.
• Full and appropriate documentation of direct patient care services to support successful professional billing of these services.
• Perform administrative duties such as completing medical forms, reports, evaluations, studies, charting, etc., as necessary.

Qualifications

Must possess a degree from an accredited school of nursing and must be licensed to practice in the state of South Carolina.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, patients, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must be knowledgeable of hospice nursing and medical practices and procedures, as well as laws, regulations, and guidelines that pertain to hospice.
• Must possess leadership and supervisory ability and the willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the programs, goals, objectives, policies and procedures, etc., that are necessary for providing quality care.
• Must have patience, tact, as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a patient’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• Must have effective computer skills for documentation purposes.
• Must have knowledge in HIPAA regulations and compliance.

Working Conditions

• Requires travel within the agency’s service area in personal automobile, therefore, must have a current driver’s license, auto insurance, and have the ability to operate an automobile.
• Works in office area(s), community, and long term care facilities.
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with patients, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, personnel, and visitors.
• Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary. 
• Is subject to call-back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the work day, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.
• Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including TB, AIDS, and Hepatitis B viruses.
• May be subject to the handling of and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.