LVN - Per Diem

Hospice of San Joaquin is the oldest not-for-profit hospice of 40 years.  We serve all of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.  We are committed to continuing to be the leader in ensuring the quality of the journey, from a serious illness to the end of life, and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do. We are seeking a Dynamic, skilled, self-motivated LVN Nurse who thrives in a fast-paced environment to support our mission.  

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY: POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY: Provides skilled nursing care in compliance with the interdisciplinary team plan of care, under the supervision of the Director of Home Care Services and the direction of the RN Case Manager, according to the policies and procedures of Hospice of San Joaquin.

CLINICAL SERVICES:

Ensures that patients/families receive quality palliative and supportive care in the home setting and, when necessary, helps to coordinate care with hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

1. Using clinical skills, performs a nursing visit; identifies the physical, emotional, physiological, spiritual, and practical needs of the patient and family.
2. Follows the treatment plan established by the Registered Nurse/Case Manager.
3. Follows the scope of practice when providing nursing care.
4. Makes recommendations to the Case Manager for action/follow-up of patients.
5. Maintains up-to-date patient records.
6. On an ongoing basis, uses clinical skills specific to the Hospice patient population to update the Case Manager and to give suggestions to the IDT for action and follow-up by various team members.
7. Follows universal precautions in delivering patient care.
8. Provides support to families at the time of the patient’s death with coordination of services with the physician, mortuary, DME, and supplier.
9. Assists family in making transition from caregiving to bereavement, in coordination with IDT members.
10. Demonstrates creativity in meeting patient/family needs in the home environment.
11. Uses expert nursing judgment and functions as patient advocate, in collaboration with Case Manager, IDT, and primary physician.
12. Additional duties as assigned.

INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION/COMMUNICATION:

Ensure continuity of care to patients/families by effectively collaborating and communicating with the IDT and the patient/family caregivers.

1. Communicates the need to discuss “crisis” patients/families to the Case Manager to facilitate team discussion.
2. With the Case Manager, works with pharmacy, therapists, DME Suppliers, and other health care providers to ensure patient needs are met.
3.  Ensures the patient’s family's right to confidentiality in communications.

EDUCATION OF PATIENTS, FAMILIES, AND CAREGIVERS:

Ensures that patients/families/caregivers receive the education they need to understand the philosophy of Hospice care and the knowledge required to provide for the comfort and physical care needs of the patient.  Helps Hospice of San Joaquin educate the community.

1. Assist the Case Manager to coordinate physical care of patients by teaching primary caregivers, employed caregivers, and volunteer caregivers as appropriate.
2. Educates patients/families/physicians/referral sources and the community about the Hospice philosophy and Hospice’s services.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT/IMPROVEMENT AND UTILIZATION REVIEW:

Ensures compliance with the program plan, assuring quality service and appropriate utilization of resources.

1. Participates in Quality Assessment/Improvement and Utilization Review activities as requested by administration.
2. Incorporates results of AQ/AI and Utilization Review studies in nursing practice.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:

Enhances professional knowledge, attains job satisfaction, personal growth and a sense of well being by actively participating in a variety of IDT and professional educational activities.

1. Attends in-services provided by Hospice of San Joaquin at least four times a year to enhance knowledge of Hospice care.
2. Identifies personal education needs, seeks formal programs, participates in professional educational activities or seeks other avenues (i.e. reading articles, books, etc.) to meet these needs.
3. Develops a nursing style, which demonstrates constructive time management, conflict resolution and problem solving.
4. Participates in the evaluation(s) of own performance by identifying strengths and weaknesses and by developing a plan to improve areas of weakness.
5. Participates with colleagues/IDT members in identification and discussion of ethical conflicts which arise in caring for terminal patients and their families.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1.         Health Screening

2.         TB Screening

3.         Hepatitis B Series offered

4.         Background Check

5.         Reference Check

6.         Drug Screening

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

1. A current license in the State of California as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
2. One year recent clinical experience dealing with acute care patients preferred.  Six months or more of home care or Hospice experience preferred.
3. Ability to set priorities, organize, and work independently.
4. Knowledge of medications, indications, dosage ranges, side effects and potential toxicity.
5. Skill in nursing practices with understanding and knowledge of Hospice care and committed to the philosophy and goals of the program.
6. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
7. CPR training

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

1. Ability and willingness to drive own vehicle, have a valid California driver’s license and have automobile insurance which meets State standards.  All employees, volunteers, consultants and consultant volunteers who drive need to provide Hospice of San Joaquin with evidence of insurance.  This is necessary to be covered on the agency’s non-owned auto policy.
2. Ability to safely maneuver equipment (wheelchairs, etc.) and assist family/caregivers with transferring and ambulating patients when necessary.
3. Implements personnel policies as they relate to nursing staff.

We offer a great benefit package to our staff such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings and generous employer contribution
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• AFLAC insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Fitness Center membership discount
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Supportive work culture which encourages work-life balance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

If you are interested in being part of a dynamic team and helping us continue to be the leader in ensuring quality of the journey, from serious illness through end of life, and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do, we encourage you to apply.  To learn more about Hospice of San Joaquin, please visit our website at  www.hospiceofsanjoaquin.org