Hospice LPN (PRN)

HOSPICE LPN

Reports to: Director of Nursing

Shift: PRN (As needed)

About Dignity Hospice:

Dignity Hospice of Colorado has two driving principles. First, to be the provider of choice by delivering exceptional patient care; and second, to be the employer of choice by providing the best working environment.

Dignity Hospice of Colorado serves patients, their families, and the communities where they live throughout Denver and the Front Range. At Dignity, our mission is to provide superior care and customer service to our patients and their families. We take pride in providing these services in an environment of dignity and respect for every person.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Prepare for shift by reading Nurse shift reports and after-hours triage reports to prioritize urgent needs. 
• Be available and ready to perform visits as requested by RNCM, triage service, Clinical Admin, or Director of Nursing, for the duration of the shift. 
• Provide in-person visits for comfort, wound care, and symptom management
• Observe and document patients condition through data sources such as weight, pedal edema, patient history and input, and respiration. Report observations and changes to RNCM or Physician.
• Educate patient and family about realistic expectations of disease and dying process
• Provide calm, non-anxious presence and support for patients and families
• Complete medical charting correctly and appropriately for the needs of Medicare, State Health Department, ACHC, and per established standards.
• Review and document patient needs in care plans, document and address problems, update medications
• Attend to patient deaths, coordinate post-mortem tasks for family
• Coordinate and communicate care provided with facility nurses and caregivers
• Other interventions based on patient/family needs.
• Present hospice philosophy and services; explain patient rights and responsibilities.
• Participate in educational in-services, meetings, and other required training. LPN must complete 12 hours of continuing education per year or provide proof of qualifying ongoing education as requred by Medicare. 
• Travel required
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Educational Requirements:

• Must possess current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Colorado.
• Must have valid car insurance and driver’s license.
• Knowledge of and experience in pain and symptom management.
• Well-developed physical assessment skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must possess patience, tact, and a positive attitude.
• Hospice experience preferred.

Work Environment:

General offices, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and patient home settings will be the primary locations of the Nurse’s activities. Exposure to infectious diseases is possible and universal precautions should be taken at all times. Travel is a requirement of this position (with mileage reimbursement).