Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurse, Hospice

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Weekday and holiday on call requirements. Local travel required.

Homecare and Hospice Overview:

Covenant Health HomeCare and Hospice is the area’s largest locally owned home health and hospice provider, with one of the largest rehabilitation departments in East Tennessee. Our HomeCare and Hospice services are part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations, offering employees a comprehensive benefits package with tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.

Provides nursing care to an assigned group of homebound patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse; administers care with other disciplines. The LPN/LVN reports to the assigned Clinical Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Performs and records cardiovascular assessments, pulmonary assessments, neurological assessments, GI assessments, skin assessments, intake and output assessments, and pain assessments.
• Performs treatment procedures which include, but are not limited to, insertion of nasogastric/gastrostomy tube, replacement of gastrostomy tube, giving medications by N/G tube, gastrostomy tube and JeJunostomy tubes, providing teaching/training for patient/caregiver on care of feeding tube, insertion of weighted feeding tube, and providing care for patients with bolus tube feeding method and tube feeding per enteral pump.
• Performs intravenous procedures such as inserting peripheral IV line; calculating and maintaining correct rate of IV infusion, labeling, and changing tubing; and performing venipuncture. (Must have IV Certification to perform.)
• Provides colostomy care, tracheostomy care, and suctioning.
• Administers medications per HomeCare policy. Clearly documents administration of medications. Checks for allergies and MD orders before administering medications.
• Has working knowledge of Medicare guidelines, and performs in compliance with such guidelines.
• Follows appropriate plan of care after admission, including discharge and on-call as outlined by HomeCare policy. Consults RN and/or Clinical Supervisor regarding plan of care and care plan changes, including needs for other disciplines (HHA, OT, PT, MSW, ST, and Dietician).
• Supplements the nursing care needs of the patient as provided for by the RN in the plan of care including:
  • providing services in accordance with program policies;
  • preparing clinical and progress notes;
  • assisting the RN or physician in performing specialized duties;
  • assisting the RN in carrying out the plan of care;
  • assisting the client in learning appropriate self-care techniques; and reporting changes in client's condition to the RN.
• Works collaboratively with members of the team to help meet positive patient care outcomes.
• Performs basic infection control techniques according to Covenant HomeCare policy. Examples are proper hand-washing; glove usage; appropriate handling and disposing of wastes, body fluids, contaminated trash, and needles; proper handling of soiled or contaminated linens or garments; and cleaning all equipment used in the home properly.
• Checks schedule and calls patients to provide patients with arrival times.
• Demonstrates ability to perform skills on annual skills check list.
• Local travel required.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

One (1) year of professional experience in a hospital/clinical setting or prior home health experience. Successful completion of LPN advanced skills course.

Licensure Requirement:

Must have and maintain Tennessee LPN license or Licensed Vocational Nurse. CPR required. Employee must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and state mandated minimum insurance coverage. Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure