Hospice Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Dunes Hospice•Valparaiso, IN

About The Position

The Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse provides direct patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse. The role follows the plan of care, provides treatments, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to support positive patient care outcomes. The position works Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight, with no weekends. Driving is required throughout the hours worked. The nurse provides care within the State Nurse Practice Act, including specialized end-of-life care; implements nursing practice based on assessment and the plan of care; documents services accurately and promptly; and provides patient and caregiver education related to the diagnosis and plan of care. The nurse helps coordinate hospice services, uses equipment and supplies effectively, follows aseptic technique when required, and provides and evaluates pain and symptom management. The position also supports professional development and organizational quality-improvement activities, and performs other duties as assigned by the registered nurse or Clinical Supervisor.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited practical nurse or vocational nursing program.
Currently licensed as an LPN/LVN in Indiana.
Current CPR certification.
Two years of nursing or clinical experience is preferred; hospice care, community health, or medical/surgical experience is preferred but not required.
Licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order, meeting state and/or organizational requirements.
Demonstrate observation, verbal and written communication, problem-solving, basic math, and nursing skills as assessed by a competency checklist.
Comply with accepted professional standards and practice.
Organize and prioritize independently, make judgments based on assessments and available data, and act accordingly.
Be flexible and innovative, with good interpersonal skills; cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.
Tolerate exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, excrement, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.
Work as a member of the interdisciplinary group.
Accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy of care.
Meet physical demands including prolonged or considerable walking or standing; lifting, positioning, and transferring patients; lifting supplies and equipment; reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching; and having the visual acuity and hearing needed to perform nursing skills.

Nice To Haves

Two years of nursing experience.
Community health, hospice, or medical/surgical experience.
Hospice care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care under registered nurse supervision, as defined by the State Nurse Practice Act, including specialized end-of-life care.
Implement current nursing practice following a comprehensive assessment and the plan of care.
Document patient services accurately and timely to reflect the plan of care.
Assess and provide patients and families or caregivers with education and information pertinent to the diagnosis and current plan of care.
Coordinate hospice services and report identified needs to the interdisciplinary group, including needs involving hospice aides, chaplains, social workers, dieticians, or the Clinical Director.
Use and prepare equipment and supplies effectively, adhering to aseptic technique when required.
Provide appropriate pain and symptom management and evaluate patient responses to treatments and medications.
Participate in personal and professional growth and development.
Participate in organizational quality assessment and performance improvement teams and activities upon request.
Perform other duties as assigned by the registered nurse or Clinical Supervisor.