POSITION SUMMARY:

The Virtual Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN) coordinates and delivers high quality, patient-centered care by determining the predictable health status and health needs of patients through interpretation of health data and preventive practice in a virtual setting. The Virtual LPN supports the efforts of on-site staff to provide individualized, comprehensive, and compassionate care using established nursing models. The Practical/Vocational Nurse provides remote nursing care to patients in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Registered Nurse. The Virtual LPN models a commitment to the organization’s vision/mission/values to support an unparalleled patient experience and clinical outcomes that contribute to overall departmental performance.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

STANDARD I – Customer Service/Communication/Interpersonal Skills

· Strives to exceed expectations of internal and external customers: Patients, families, physicians, colleagues, visitors and vendors.

· Demonstrates appropriate communication skills in all interactions.

· Interacts with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.

· Anticipates and provides resolution to issues based on the needs and expectations of our customers. Channels concerns appropriately through chain of command; deals with conflict appropriately, timely and privately.

· Treats others with respect at all times; maintains a work environment free of harassment, hostility, threats or violence.

STANDARD II – Job Knowledge/Productivity/Initiative

· Maintains certifications, education and development appropriate for position.

· Completes position responsibilities by following established guidelines and protocols within the appropriate time frame.

· Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of work practices/responsibilities/establishing priorities and roles in emergency procedures

· Demonstrates self-direction, flexibility, professional development and willingness to master new skills.

· Has the ability to accept and act upon suggestions for improved performance.

· Completes all requires orientation and annual updates as appropriate to clinical placements.

· Knowledgeable of standards of practice as outlined in professional practice organizations related to clinical setting.

STANDARD III – HWS/Hospital/Department Policies & Procedures

· Supports, implements and ensures compliance with all HWS/Hospital and regulatory/accrediting agency standards, regulations and policies and procedures.

· Ensures accuracy, timeliness and completeness of documentation and work performed per Hospital policy.

· Utilizes appropriate resources and hospital policies as the “standard of care” for positive patient outcomes.

STANDARD IV – Organizational Ethics/Improving Organizational Performance

· Supports HWS and Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

· Conduct reflects HWS values; accepts the responsibility to act with absolute integrity, work as a unified team, learn and transfer that knowledge across the continuum, have accountability to all that we serve, and treat everyone with dignity and respect.

· Demonstrates compliance with the Ethics and Compliance Program, policies, directives and Code of Conduct training.

· Maintains privacy and confidentiality of patient, client, employees and organizational information in verbal, written and electronic form. Limit access to information on a job-related need to know basis. Complies with HWS/Hospitals risk management program-timely/accurate occurrence reporting. Demonstrates understanding and involvement with Performance Improvement.

STANDARD V – Position Specific Essential Performance Criteria

Performs position specific job functions at an acceptable level with minimal direction. Primary responsibilities for a Virtual LPN encompass but not intended to be all-inclusive;

· Patient Rights – Demonstrating awareness and respect for the patient/family/significant others dignity and values; identifies cultural and religious needs, emotional and language barriers, physical, cognitive, psychological and educational limitations. Knowledgeable of patient’s rights, advanced directives, consents, protection of patient security, privacy and confidentiality in all aspects of care.

· Assessment - Completes assessment/reassessment in accordance with Hospital policy, standards and patient care needs as it relates to; Admission, transfer, discharge, pain management, risk to fall, skin integrity, interventions, signs and symptoms of abuse, changes in patients condition, abnormal lab/radiology values and the notification to physician, identification of patient needs requiring intervention of other team members, surgical procedures and end of life care needs. Knowledgeable of documentation systems utilized to chart patient’s assessment/reassessments, interventions, medication utilization and supply acquisition.

· Care of the Patient – Develops, implements, updates, evaluates and revises as appropriate an interdisciplinary age-specific patient plan of care; based on continuous assessment/re-assessment and interpretation of all available patient data – to meet the identified patient care goals for a Virtual Nurse - LPN patient. Demonstrates accuracy in administration, monitoring and documentation of medications, treatments, IV therapies, modalities and blood products according to Hospital policies. Able to recognize the need for and use of designated equipment in resuscitation efforts.

· Patient/Family Education - Utilizes a collaborative and interdisciplinary process to provide initial and ongoing teaching based on assessed learning needs, abilities, preferences and readiness. Provides patients with explanations of all procedures, medications and treatments – documents teaching per hospital policy. Ensures patient/family teaching occurs across the continuum of care and discharge planning includes specific teaching which ensures the patient is prepared for discharge and prevents re-admissions due to lack of education provided.

· Continuum of Care - Assess, collaborate and coordinate meeting patient’s care needs during transition from shift to shift, transfer and upon discharge. Ensures continuity of care by participating in patient transfers, utilizing communication tools when handing off communication, completing required forms for transfers to other units or facilities and nurse to nurse report. Ensures that discharge planning/processes provides for continuing care based on the assessed needs of the patient; provide clear time/action specific discharge instructions in clear understandable terminology.