Home Health Field Nurse

Contribute to the development of a plan of nursing action based on existing problems, expected patient response, and the Plan of Care.

Performs duties consistent with the Vocational Nursing Practice Act.

Implements safe, therapeutic care of patients with overt needs in supervised/controlled situations as initiated in the Plan of Care by the physician in consultation with the Case Manager/ RN and the interdisciplinary team.

Utilizes resources (patient, family, staff, outside personnel, agencies/organizations) to contribute to the Plan of Care.

Maintains current knowledge and skills for documenting care to meet Regulatory and third-party payer requirements. Prepares documentation and clinical/ progress notes. Documents clearly and concisely, using proper notation and Agency abbreviations. Submits all documentation within the timelines established by the Agency.

Explains tests, procedures, disease process, and provides other health education to patient, family, and/or caregiver. Document’s patient/family/caregiver response to care and teaching.

Notifies the patient’s attending physician, and other professional persons and responsible staff of significant changes in the patient’s condition. “Significant changes” include those changes that suggest the need to modify or develop a plan of treatment or plan of care.

May teach basic patient care to ancillary personnel and CHHAs.

Participates in the coordination of home health services, appropriately reporting the need for other disciplines to the case manager and/or clinical supervisor.

Reports on the patient’s condition and changing patient status to the Case Manager and/or clinical supervisor.

Regularly attends and participates in scheduled case conferences, staff meetings, and Agency in-services.

Participates in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by your immediate supervisor. In addition, it is expected that personnel will accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job-related skills and abilities.

Attends mandatory educational programs. Attends and/or participates in Clinical Record Reviews and other quality improvement functions as directed by supervisor.

Prevents spread of infection and disease by proper disposal of contaminated materials and by adhering to Standard Precautions.

Maintains/conserves confidentiality of patient and Agency information at all times.

Regularly assesses own nursing skills and educational needs to meet the nursing care requirements of patients assigned for care. Upgrades professional skills and attends in-services and continuing education classes as needed.