Visit Nurse, LVN - Hospice of Santa Cruz County

Shift Hours: 10am - 7pm

Job Summary

The LVN is responsible for providing skilled nursing care within their scope of practice, to hospice patients and their families in all settings: home, SNF and RCFE. Documents observations and interventions related to the patient's environment; physical, mental, emotional, and social status. Gathers and reports appropriate patient data to RNs. Coordinates with RNCM and PCM about care needs of patients. Performs duties consistent with the Vocational Nurse Practice Act.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provides skilled nursing care to patients under the supervision of an RN & physician orders, within the context of the hospice plan of care.
• Follows a written POC that includes identified goals, interventions and outcomes that address pt/family physical, psychosocial and spiritual goals related to Safe & Comfortable Dying, Self-Determined Life Closure and Effective Grieving.
• Provides care within the structure of the Conditions of Participation and the Hospice Medicare/Medi-Cal benefit.
• Provides data and observations re: patient's continued appropriateness for hospice care.
• Recognizes the patient and family as the "unit of care" and active members in the care provided to the patient
• Respects patient right to self-determination and acts as advocate within the context of the values and ethical standards of HSCC.
• Exercises good clinical judgment.
• Demonstrates the ability to articulate the parameters of hospice care and services.
• Demonstrates the ability to work with pt/families under stress & in crisis.
• Provides regular communication with the patient's physician regarding medication and treatment orders, after RN has been informed of the same
• Participate in IDT/Team meetings as requested.
• Documents all contacts/instructions/ interventions per HSCC policies & procedures.
• Obtains medications, medical supplies, and equipment per pt need/physician order.
• Demonstrates understanding of pharmacy and wound care related policies & procedures.
• Provides concise, organized, and timely verbal communication per HSCC guidelines.

Compliance and Quality Improvement

• Meets all standards and requirements as indicated by licensing and accrediting agencies.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and maintains compliance with hospice regulations.
• Submits verification of current employment related documents per HSCC policies, procedures and licensing agencies.
• Completes and submits all documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Participates in activities that affirm, enhance and develop the highest quality
• standards for HSCC.
• Participates in Quality Assessment & Performance Improvement activities as requested.

IDT Participation

• Functions as a member of the IDT maintaining open & organized communication with hospice staff, volunteers and RN supervisor.
• Participates in IDT or mini-team meeting as requested, per protocol to promote problem solving, care planning and learning.
• Maintains open, organized, and timely communication with hospice staff / volunteers.
• Works collaboratively with IDT to recommend common goals to meet the needs of the patient and family.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Participates in Continuous Care level of care, providing shift care, as requested.
• Participates in On-Call visit support as requested.
• Submits verification of current LVN license, TB status, passes OIG/GSA checks, proof of auto insurance/good driving record in a timely manner per HSCC policies, procedures and licensing agencies.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned by Manager.

Compliance

• Ensures all HIPAA Privacy and Security Regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and all other regulatory/compliance requirements are understood and followed

Requirements

Supervision

• Works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse on assigned cases and overall supervision by Patient Care Manager.

Education/Experience

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• At least one (1) year experience as LVN
• Home Health and/or Hospice experience highly desirable

Skills Required

• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred but not required

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Current LVN License in the State of California
• Current Driver's License in the State of California
• Verification of current Auto Insurance
• Pass OIG/GSA review and all required background checks

Physical Demands

• Ability to provide patient care that involves assisting with lifting, repositioning, moving patients and includes bending, reaching and twisting
• Ability to travel to patient locations; includes ability to drive, negotiate stairs and walkways including uneven surfaces at private homes or facilities
• Sufficient dexterity to utilize electronic medical record systems, IPAD, computers/keyboards and or laptops and other related equipment
• Vision ability to assess patient's health status using visual inspection and observation and to read medications, charts, calibration and monitoring devices
• Speech to verbally communicate to assess and impart information concerning patient status; to complete patient/family teaching and to interact with health care team
• Sensory ability to monitor, assess and address patient care needs

Work Environment/Environmental Condition

• Performs services in private homes and care facilities and will experience a variety of settings and situations
• Office work is performed in typical office setting