LPN job despriptions

Specialties Hospice

Published

I work for a hospice that uses LPNs in a different way. We hire LPNS to work in the capacity of a hha with using our nursing skills. It was just degrading at first. Because I felt like I had to rely on the RN to make decisions I was expected to in past jobs. I have found after 4 years in this area of nursing that. It seems better this way. More communication and brain storming happens between staff members. We are respected as LPNs and the RNs rely on our judgement we are their eyes and ears when they can't be with pt. But sometimes its just a pain to have to call an RN to give a PRN med that we already know we can should give. But this cat litter emptying, toilet cleaning, enema giving, cath inserting LPN loves her job. Please tell what other hospices use there LPNs for. bornfree:nurse:

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My workplace doesn't use LPN's. I'd say your workplace is getting a really good deal - an LPN working as an aide. I love our HHA's but it would also be nice to know the report you were getting is from an LPN, with more formal training.

Do you get paid more than a regular aide? And is your title LPN or HHA?

My only concern would be if you ever wanted to work as an LPN in, say a hospital. Your nursing skills wouldn't be up to snuff and I'd think you might have trouble finding a job. But that is just my concern - may have no basis in fact.

Good for you, loving your job. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - jobs you love are dang hard to come by, so just enjoy it.

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hello i am new to this and just want to sa hi from florida.never worked for hopice but have several friends wjo do. They never told me it was like this for them.

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Dear weetzie,

We are considered LPNs. I just took the certification test as a matter of fact and we do all the skills as LPNs. We just have to call the RN with new symptoms or need prn meds that are not preapproved or pain med adjustments. We also do back up on call where the RN sends us out on off hours to access symptoms and call so they can call the Dr or instruct us of any interventions needed. Plus when we are in the home for a regular two hr visit our duties include hha duties. Thanks, bornfree

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Specializes in hospice.

I work on a Continuous Care team, doing 8 hr shifts. We (LPNs) do whatever needs to be done: baths, changing, med administration, etc. The RNs appreciate that we are their eyes and ears. We provide a lot of info and insight for them. Most of the CC pts are either actively dying or the family is in crisis and needs education re how to take care of the pt. We do A LOT of teaching, and a lot of nursing. Some of us are IV certified, so we can adjust PCA administration (when ordered) and manage IV administration. We also have HHAs on the CC team.

I LOVE my job.

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My workplace doesn't use LPN's. I'd say your workplace is getting a really good deal - an LPN working as an aide. I love our HHA's but it would also be nice to know the report you were getting is from an LPN, with more formal training.

Do you get paid more than a regular aide? And is your title LPN or HHA?

My only concern would be if you ever wanted to work as an LPN in, say a hospital. Your nursing skills wouldn't be up to snuff and I'd think you might have trouble finding a job. But that is just my concern - may have no basis in fact.

Good for you, loving your job. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks - jobs you love are dang hard to come by, so just enjoy it.

I was discharged from the Army as an LPN. I landed a job as A Chemo nurse in a hospital. It is all about what you do with the training that is given on the job. I have left this job and work with LTC. I make close to what our RN,S make. I thought obtaining my RN for the respect. It has always been the respect.

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Hi, pretty much do the same as an hospice RN here, except I have to have my monthly summaries co-signed. I do recerts, make med recommendations to MD's. In Florida LPN's can pronounce but only if they work for hospice. My partner and I (1 RN, 1 LPN) visit a group of facilities for 1 week, then we trade facilities for the next week. I love it this way, have just as much autonomy as I want, making sure to stay within state guidelines. Our patients benefit because they have 2 nurses, 2 sets of eyes and brains working for them!:nurse: Plus, I believe the agency gets compensated more money.

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Specializes in Med Surg, and Telemetry nursing--.

Hi-saw your thread---I live in Ohio-recently had my job eliminated in a Hospital after 12 years...not sure which direction I should go-hospice, home health or Ltc---anyone from ohio with some insight on a typical day in any of these jobs?

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Yes I can say we do pronounce in a way we just call the RN with report of absence of vital signs and she pronounces and calls MD,funeral exc. LPNs are not being IV certified. We do not have a lot of pts on IVs at home. But I'm sure that's coming. bornfree

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Yes, I am IV certified...It came in handy when I had to do PCA pump flushes and dressing changes..It also helps a lot if you can become certified by the HPCNA; I'm an CHPLN.

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Specializes in hospice, Med-Surgical, Cardio-Pulmonary.

I have the upmost respect for LPN's because I was one for over 8 years before becoming an RN. Our hospice is considering hiring an LPN on a per diem basis to help take call. Does anyone know of where I can obtain rules stating what hospice LPN's can and can not do in the state of ohio?

Thanks!:nurse:

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I was just wondering about what LPNs are allowed to do in hospice in CA. I was under the impression that LPNs could not do anything related to a PCA pump in Ca or push IV meds. Can anyone clarify what LPNs in Ca can do relating to IVs, PCA pumps, vent patients, ng tubes ect. Thanks

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