Hospice Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Dunes Hospice•Valparaiso, IN

About The Position

The Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 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 outcomes. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight, with no weekends. The LVN provides care consistent with the State Nurse Practice Act and hospice end-of-life care practices. Duties include implementing nursing care based on comprehensive assessments and the plan of care; documenting services accurately and promptly; educating patients and caregivers; coordinating hospice services and reporting needs to the interdisciplinary group; preparing and using equipment and supplies appropriately; providing pain and symptom management; and evaluating responses to treatments and medications. The LVN also participates in professional development and quality assessment and performance improvement activities when requested, and performs other duties 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 the state of Indiana.
Current CPR certification.
Minimum of two years of clinical experience is stated; the description also says two years of nursing experience is preferred.
Licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order; driving is required throughout working hours.
Demonstrated observation, verbal and written communication, problem-solving, basic math, and nursing skills as assessed by competency checklist.
Ability to organize and prioritize independently, make judgments based on assessments and available data, and act accordingly.
Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary group and accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
Knowledge of and commitment to the hospice philosophy of care.
Ability to comply with accepted professional standards and practices.
Flexibility, innovation, and good interpersonal skills.
Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress and demonstrate emotional stability.
Physical ability to walk or stand for prolonged or considerable periods; lift, position, or transfer patients; lift supplies and equipment; and reach, stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch considerably.
Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform required nursing skills.
Ability to tolerate exposure to odors, blood, body fluids, excrement, adverse environmental conditions, and hazardous materials.

Nice To Haves

Two years of nursing experience preferred.
Community health, hospice, or medical/surgical experience preferred but not required.
Hospice care experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care under registered nurse supervision, as defined by the State Nurse Practice Act, including duties related to end-of-life care.
Implement current nursing practice based on a comprehensive assessment and the plan of care.
Document patient services accurately and in a timely manner to reflect the plan of care.
Assess patients and provide patients and families or caregivers with education and information relevant 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, following aseptic technique when required.
Provide appropriate pain and symptom management.
Evaluate patients' 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.