Float LPN (LPN and HHA Responsibilities)

This Full-Time Float LPN Position will provide care to patients in Northern Chautauqua County. Range of duties will include both LPN and HHA responsibilities.

I. Position Summary

Responsible for assisting RN Staff in providing care to patients and families who are experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; and demonstrates sound understanding of the end stages of life. This role will function both as a skilled nurse, as a home health aide, and may assist in the office at times.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Skilled Nurse Responsibilities (both in the field and at TSHH residence):

a) Provide personal care as necessitated by the skilled visit;

b) Perform duties per their scope of practice (injections, enemas, medications, etc.)

c) Promotes expression and venting of feelings and normalization of experience for patient, family and staff;

d) Report changes in patient condition to RN Case Manager or RN on-call.

e) At TSHH, contact Physician for change in orders as patient condition warrants;

f) Support and maintain regulatory compliance;

g) Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures;

h) Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training;

i) Perform other tasks and duties as assigned;

j) Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises;

k) At TSHH, provide meal preparation and housekeeping as needed;

l) Provide on-call services and patient visits, as needed;

m) Travel as required.

Home Health Aide Responsibilities (both in the field and at TSHH residence):

a) Provide bathing, grooming and dressing per plan of care;

b) Provide mouth and denture care per plan of care;

c) Provide skin and foot care per plan of care;

d) Provide toileting assistance per plan of care;

e) Provide assistance with ambulation;

f) Provide meal preparation;

g) Serve and assist patient with feeding;

h) Housekeeping throughout the residence;

i) Empty hampers and launder patient clothing and salon towels;

j) Change bed linens and make beds;

k) Empty all garbage containers;

l) Accurately measure and record patient temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, respiration and blood pressure;

m) Demonstrate appropriate and safe knowledge/use of equipment (foot stools, side rails, wheelchairs, oxygen etc.);

n) Perform range of motion and other simple/routine procedures as an extension to therapy services;

o) Perform or assist patient with performing activities appropriate to their role in accordance with the HHA Plan of Care such as change ostomy appliance, measure intake and output, external catheter care and other tasks;

p) Promote expression and venting of feelings and normalization of experience for patient, family and staff;

q) Report changes in patient condition to Residence Director

r) Support and maintain regulatory compliance;

s) Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures;

t) Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training;

u) Perform other tasks and duties as assigned;

v) Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises;

w) Provide on-call services and patient visits, as scheduled;

x) Travel as required.

III. Formal Education Requirements

At least a H.S. Diploma or G.E.D.

IV. Formal Experience Requirements

At least one (1) year nursing experience.

V. Skills and Abilities (Competencies)

Certificates and Licenses

Must possess:

· NYS Licensed Practical Nurse in good standing

· Valid Driver license and current auto insurance

Job Specific Competencies

1. Clinical Judgment

Demonstrates critical thinking, analysis and critical judgment in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through use of the nursing process to address the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patients and families.

2. Advocacy and Ethics

Incorporates ethical principles and professional standards in the care of patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; as well as identifying and advocating for the wishes and preferences of patients and families.

3. Professional Conduct

Demonstrates, knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the professional standards, code of ethics, and scope of practice for hospice, palliative nursing, while maintaining professional boundaries.

4. Collaboration

Actively promotes dialogue with patients and families, the healthcare team and community to address and plan for issues related to living with, and/or dying from life-limiting, progressive illnesses.

5. Systems Thinking and Action

Utilizes resources necessary to enhance quality of life for patients and families experiencing life-limiting, progressive illness through knowledge and navigation within the healthcare system.

6. Cultural Competence

Demonstrates cultural competence by respecting and honoring the unique diversity and characteristics of patients, families, and colleagues in hospice/palliative care.

7. Facilitator of Learning

Facilitates learning for patient, family, self, members of the healthcare team and community through the development, implementation and evaluation of formal and informal education related to living with, and/or dying from a life-limiting, progressive illness.

8. Communication

Demonstrates the use of effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication with patients, families, members of the healthcare team and community in order to therapeutically address and accurately convey the hospice/palliative care needs of patients and families.

Additional Skills/Abilities/Requirements

· Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality and professional conduct;

· Strong communication skills including listening, verbal and written;

· Ability to work in a team setting, collaborate with others and adapt to a changing environment, while balancing priorities;

· Adhere to mission, vision, values, operating principles and strategic priorities;

· Must be proficient with electronic medical records;

· Ability to complete daily documentation/timesheets, etc., and other work in a timely manner with limited supervision.

VI. Working Conditions and Environmental Hazards

This position works in contact with risks associated with blood-borne pathogens and needle sticks. Care must be taken to follow all health and safety requirements.

VII. Physical Requirements

Position requires a moderate level of independent judgment in performing responsibilities.

Must be able to lift, move, and transfer patients and equipment. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and occasionally assist with transfers of patients who may weigh up to 100 pounds or more with appropriate equipment or team assistance. Must be able to perform physical tasks such as bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and prolonged standing and walking.

VIII. Contacts

Internal:

Director of Field Clinical Operations, Director of The Star Hospice House, inter-disciplinary team members, office staff, Hospice Medical Director, Hospices Physician, and Nurse Practitioners.

External:

Patients and families, Healthcare (Hospital/Nursing Home, etc.) facility staff, and primary/specialist physicians.

IX. Supervision and Guidance

There are no direct-reports to this position.

Pay: $23.00 - $34.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• LPN License (Required)

Work Location: In person