RN - Home Health Care/Hospice

Registered Nurse – Home Health

Reports to: Director of Nursing

The Registered Nurse plans, organizes, and directs home care services and is experienced in nursing, with emphasis on community health education. The professional nurse utilizes community resources to plan and deliver services that meet the needs of individuals and families in their homes and communities.

Roles & Responsibilities

Completes an initial assessment of the patient and family to determine home care needs. Provides a comprehensive physical assessment and history of current and past illnesses. Regularly re-evaluates patient nursing needs.

Initiates the plan of care and revises it as patient status and needs change.

Uses health assessment data to determine nursing diagnoses.

Develops a care plan that establishes goals based on nursing diagnoses and incorporates therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitative nursing interventions. Includes the patient and family in the planning process.

Implements appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.

Counsels the patient and family regarding nursing and related needs.

Provides health care instructions to the patient based on assessment and plan of care.

Identifies discharge planning needs during care plan development and implements prior to discharge.

Acts as Case Manager when assigned by the Clinical Supervisor and coordinates patient care for the assigned caseload.

Prepares clinical notes and updates the primary physician as needed and at least every 60 days.

Communicates with the physician regarding patient needs, reports changes in condition, and obtains physician orders as required.

Collaborates with community health professionals to coordinate the care plan.

Participates in on-call duties as defined by policy.

Ensures necessary equipment, supplies, and services are arranged and available.

Instructs, supervises, and evaluates Licensed Practical Nurses and Home Health Aides in accordance with policy and procedure.

The above statements represent a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbents may be required to perform additional job-related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. One (1) to two (2) years of recent acute care experience in an institutional setting required.

Current state licensure and CPR certification required.

Associate degree required; one (1) year of home health care experience preferred.

Management experience not required; responsible for supervising Home Health Aides.

Excellent observation, verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and basic math skills; nursing skills consistent with competency requirements.

Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods; lift, position, or transfer patients; lift supplies and equipment; and perform reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform required nursing duties.

Minimum one (1) year of experience as a professional nurse, preferably in home health care, hospice, or public health.

Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working condition that meets state and organizational requirements.