Careers

Licensed Practical Nurse – The Star Hospice House

Per Diem

I. Position Summary

Responsible for assisting in providing nursing care to patients and families who are experiencing life-limiting, progressive illnesses; and demonstrates sound understanding of the end stages of life. 

Assigned to The Star Hospice House.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide personal care as necessitated by the patient need;
2. Perform duties per their scope of practice (injections, enemas, medications, etc.);
3. Promote expression and venting of feelings and normalization of experience for patient, family and staff;
4. Report changes in patient condition to Residence Director, RN Case Manager or After Hours RN;
5. Contact Physician for change in orders as patient condition warrants;
6. Assist in mentoring Home Health Aides as requested;
7. Support and maintain regulatory compliance;
8. Maintain timely and appropriate records/documents per Hospice policies and procedures;
9. Maintain/enhance professional skills and requirements including education and training;
10. Perform other tasks and duties as assigned;
11. Take initiative as needed or when the opportunity arises;
12. Provide meal preparation and housekeeping as needed;
13. 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.  Position also involves moving and lifting patients, and carrying light loads and supplies with or without assistance. 

VIII. Contacts

Internal:

Residence Director, Team Leader, Vice President of Clinical Services, 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.