Field Registered Nurse

Job Summary: Provides services to clients in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act, Agency policy, and accepted professional standards of practice.

The Registered Nurse provides nursing services utilizing a comprehensive base of nursing theory and nursing process, and communicates/documents observations and assessments.

Job Duties:

• Assumes responsibility and accountability for the practice of professional nursing in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act and standards for home health.
• Performs comprehensive assessments of client status, including physical, psychosocial, and environmental.
• Completes comprehensive assessments including OASIS data set within forty-eight (48) hours of referral for speech therapy unless other arrangements are made.
• Develops and/or follows an individualized Plan of Care that incorporates analysis of data and current scientific evidence.
• Provides skilled interventions with a focus on achieving realistic client outcomes within a specified time.
• Reports changes and information necessary to modify and update the care plan to reflect progress towards goals (outcomes).
• Consistently demonstrates competency with technical nursing skills according to personal and legal scope of practice.
• Demonstrates assessment skills as applied to the client, family/support system, and teaching skills according to the client's needs and within the context of the client's environment, value system, and physical/emotional state.
• Practices nursing with respect for individual, cultural, and spiritual needs.
• Communicates effectively and in accordance with Agency guidelines.
• Reports significant changes in client status to physician and other members of the team in a timely manner consistent with client care protocols.
• Maintains client records showing systematic assessment, planning intervention, and evaluation.
• Participates in team meetings and clarifies individualized reporting responsibilities with all new team members.
• Documents legibly and according to Agency documentation guidelines.
• Follows Agency guidelines for completion of forms, reflecting the orders and care plan. Submits forms weekly including all communication and documentation.
• Initiates actions to improve the quality of patient care. Takes appropriate actions independently and responsively in-home care situations. Initiates referrals as needed to other health team members when delegated by the Case Manager.
• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
• Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients and staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge of safety/infection control practices by complying with established policies and procedures.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to potentially unsafe situations.
• Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment.
• Assesses environmental safety and takes initiative to prevent accidents and promote safety.
• Notifies supervisor of need for review and/or training related to equipment, procedures, or safety/infection control.
• Participates in ongoing, professional self-development.
• Participates in all mandatory education per Agency requirements.
• Identifies needs for personal professional development.
• Demonstrates competency in areas of assignment or identifies the need for additional training (wound care, infusion, specialized equipment, etc.).
• Supervises applicable home care team members as delegated by RN Case Manager.
• Responsible for completing all mandatory and regulatory training programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing. BSN, PHN preferred.

Credential/Licensure Required:

• Current license as a Registered Nurse in the state(s) of practice.
• Current CPR certification.
• Licensed driver with automobile insured in accordance with state and/or Agency requirements and in good repair.

• Minimum of six (6) months experience in an acute care setting or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily medium in nature with exerting up to 35 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, bend or otherwise move objects. Involves sitting, walking, standing, driving, talking, hearing, reaching. Ability to work at a desk for up to eight hours per day. Involves prolonged phone usage.

Job Skills Required:

• Communicates effectively with patients, families and other health care providers.
• Manages time efficiently.
• Thinks and acts calmly and logically to meet unusual occurrences of the job.
• Maintains confidentiality of necessary information.
• Interfaces with patients, families, and staff to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Creates a positive image between co-workers.
• Promotes positive inter-agency collaboration.
• Instills confidence in staff members and builds self-esteem through acceptance and recognition.
• Provides role modeling of teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Demonstrates and encourages appropriate problem-solving skills.