LVN Discharge Planner

DEFINITION

Under the general direction of the RN Case Manager, the LVN will implement the discharge plan that has been developed by the RN Case Manager, physician and patient/family. The LVN will also perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor/Director.



CLASS CHARACTERISTICS


Incumbents in this class are responsible for arranging the discharge plan (i.e.) home, home health, and transition to skilled nursing facility and arrange necessary Durable medical equipment to ensure a timely and safe discharge plan.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of appropriate education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.


Education

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing

Experience

    (One) year of prior experience preferred in the acute care setting or a skilled nursing facility.

Prior experience with the discharge planning process to implement a safe discharge preferred.

Licensure

Possession of current California LVN license is required

Current BLS certification



KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:


InterQual guidelines

Payor source documentation requirements and governmental regulations affecting reimbursement.

Hospital nursing principles, methods, and commonly used medical procedures.

Basic knowledge of the continuum of care and discharge process

Common patient disease processes, and the usual methods for treating them.

Medical terminology, hospital nursing facility routine, and commonly used equipment.

Identification of potential discharge needs.

Community resources; hospital nursing facility organization and the interrelationship of various clinical and diagnostic services.



Ability to:

Evaluate the medical record to assess appropriateness of acute hospitalization as related to     intensity of service and severity of illness

Make recommendations regarding continued stay necessity, appropriateness of the level of the delivery of care.

Identify discharge needs. Assess available resources and formulate appropriate discharge plan.

Communicate documentation needs in a manner that promotes cooperation.

Gather and analyze data and prepare reports and recommendations.

Work effectively with physicians, other health providers, outside payor sources, community resources, and the general public.


Collaborate with RN Case Manger regarding discharge needs for safe discharge.

Works effectively with RN case managers, other health providers, outside payer sources and the general public

Possess exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to relate to patient/families to ensure excellent customer services.

Ability to work in fast pace environment

Relate positively with patients and families; demonstrate crisis intervention skills.

Collaborates with other nursing personnel, physicians and health care professionals regarding the plan of care.

Assess patient/family needs for post discharge care.

Plans and implements quality, efficient discharge plan, enabling patient to function at their highest level of independence.