Registered Nurse-Home Health

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse-Home Health, in conjunction with the Case Manager, utilizes physicians' orders and professional skills to develop and implement a home health plan that meets each patient's specific needs and is in compliance with accrediting organization standards, federal and state regulations, reimbursement guidelines, as well as agency policies and procedures.  The Registered Nurse-Home Health is responsible for planning, coordinating and documenting care for an assigned caseload of patients.  Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.

Graduate from an accredited and approved school of nursing accepted for licensure in the state of practice is required. 

Bachelor's Degree in nursing is preferred.

Valid drivers license, automobile insurance and own transportation to make home visits is required.

Prior experience in home health or hospice is preferred.

1 year acute nursing experience is preferred.

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of practice is required. 

Wisconsin:  RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN licenses as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules. 

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.

Organized, reliable, and be able to perform job with little direct supervision.

Able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to all patients/family served.

Demonstrates excellent customer service skills through telephone, personal and/or written communication.

Ability to work in a variety of settings including the patient’s home.

Ability to travel outdoors in diverse temperatures, weather, and road conditions.

Demonstrates competence in computer systems and applications required for the role.

Provides skilled nursing care while assessing patient's condition, initiates written plan of care, re-evaluates and updates as necessary.

Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of patient and patient's clinical status. Addresses and supports cultural practices as long as these practices do not harm the patient/family or interfere with the planned course of medical treatment.

Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain while utilizing appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

Obtains all necessary physician orders and collaborates with the physician as the patient's needs dictate.  Follows up with obtaining lab results and notifies the physician of any significant changes.

Plans patient discharge from the agency.

Adheres to all agency, billing and documentation policies and procedures. All documentation, charting and agency forms are completed in the designated time.

Recommends referrals for alternative level of care if necessary. Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient's age, pediatric through geriatric.

Educates, supervises and counsels the patient and family members regarding nursing care needs.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Clinical

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Positions in this category may experience wet

conditions in his/her work environment

Noise

X

Positions in this category may experience a higher

noise level in his/her work environment.

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other