Home Health Registered Nurse

The home health registered nurse uses the nursing process (assesses, plans, implements, evaluates) to provide patient care in the home setting. Provides individualized patient care for patients in all developmental stages throughout the life span including: Adult - 18-72 years, Geriatric - 72 + years, according to established policies, procedures, guidelines and nursing standards of care. This position is responsible for the care and case management of patients in all stages of life in their homes based on the nurses experience and competency evaluation.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Assesses, interprets, plans, implements and evaluates patients according to the patients age and diagnosis.

2. Effectively and efficiently manages the care of a caseload of patients and coordinates care with a multidisciplinary team.

3. Appropriately communicates information in accordance with agency policies and procedures and discipline specific guidelines.

4. Contributes to program effectiveness.

5. Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

6. Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance agency performance.

7. Demonstrates a daily commitment to the values of the agency.

8. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the agency.

9. Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

10. Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the Agency on a daily basis.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: Graduate of an accredited or approved school of nursing, either an AD, Diploma, or BSN program.

2. Licensure / Certifications: Current license to practice professional nursing in the State in which providing care (NC/SC). CPR certification required.

3. Experience: One year RN experience and a total of 2 or more years clinical experience is required. Supplemental experience may include experience as LPN, CNA, military medic, EMT or related experience. Home health experience preferred. Less than 1 year RN experience requires 1 year of clinical experience as LPN (Internal use only). Therapy Assistants (PTA, OTA) with 1 year of Home Health experience and at least 6 months RN experience (internal use only).

4. Essential Technical / Motor Skills: Hand/eye coordination in order to give injections, use computer, etc. Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language. Able to manipulate patient care equipment, to properly transfer and guard patients.

5. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, patients families, physicians and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.

6. Essential Physical Requirements: Ability to transfer and/or maneuver objects weighing at least 50 pounds in the assessment and implementation of patient care. Requires frequent pushing, moving, lifting of patients. Positioning of patients, giving patients baths and ambulating patients expending much physical effort. Occasionally requires reaching overhead, stair climbing and fine motor manipulation.

7. Essential Mental Abilities: Must be able to assess a patients condition, formulate a plan of care, select appropriate interventions, evaluate patients response to care/treatment, and to explain/teach patients about their condition/recovery. Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short-and long-term memory. Able to prioritize duties, learn new skills and techniques in patient care. Able to learn and use supportive services.

8. Essential Sensory Requirements: Ability to visually assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate plan of care (changing dressings, starting IVs, regulating IVs, maintain equipment as to readouts, etc.). Utilize hearing to auscultate lung sounds, bowel sounds, hear alarms, and effectively communicate with patients, families, physician, and staff.

9. Exposure to Hazards: Noise, exposure to blood borne pathogens and body fluids, infectious diseases, and needle puncture wounds. May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting. May encounter patients and other situations which present a potential threat to personal safety. May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10. Hours of Work: Variable Monday - Friday, weekends and holidays as needed. Flexible schedule to accommodate staffing needs.

11. Population Served: Adolescents, adults, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

12. Must have a valid North Carolina drivers license and an operational vehicle.