INTRODUCTION

The Hospice program provides services for patients with a terminal illness under orders from a private physician delivered in the patient's private home. Patients may also receive hospice service while in the nursing home or private healthcare facility. Payment is through Medicaid, Medicare and Private Pay/Insurance. Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Missouri is a non-profit organization.

TYPE OF WORK INVOLVED

Provides skilled care to patients in accordance with agency policies, physician orders, and CMS regulations for Hospice. Makes pertinent nursing observations and communicates these to the R.N. Staff Nurse, TCM, Hospice physician and/or IDG team when appropriate and document in a timely manner. Participate and attend IDG meetings as scheduled and document IDG notes. Take on call rotation as scheduled Maintains current clinical notes in EMR, reflecting updates to plan of care and care provided. Inform doctor of changes in patient's conditions, with documentation of changes in narrative notes. Review medication profile and reconcile medications weekly. Assists the R.N. in performing specialized duties. Reports any identified needs or potential problems of patients or family members to the R.N. in a timely manner. Follow the plan of care as initiated by the R.N./physician. Follows state guidelines and policies as far as the scope of practice for an LPN in homecare/Hospice. Provides accurate information to patients/families as outlined in the nursing care plan.

TRAINING

Training involves a 30 day period where policies and procedures are covered. Computer training will cover the use of the handheld used to make patient visits.