Qualifications
• Graduate of a state-approved school of professional nursing.
• BSN preferred
• Current, unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in the state(s) of practice
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as an RN in an acute care setting or equivalent
• Reliable means of transportation
• Current CPR certification
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Essential Functions/Areas of Accountability
• Initiate actions independently and responsibly to improve the quality of client care
• Perform client visits as assigned to provide skilled interventions with a focus for achieving realistic client outcomes within a specified time period
• Provide direct care and assign and/or delegate functions according to education and demonstrated competence
• Act as client advocate
• Assess and evaluate health status of assigned clients:
• Collect objective and subjective client information
• Analyze, report and record data
• Validate, refine and modify data
• Utilize all data to identify and document current health care needs of assigned clients
• Collaborate with client, family/others, and other members of the healthcare team to identify client needs, and establish realistic goals of care
• Review plan of care on a regular basis to evaluates client response to plan, prioritize needs and modify plan to meet client's current needs:
• Cultural, ethical, spiritual aspects and decisions regarding treatment
• Plan interventions to support human functions and maintain hygiene in a comfortable and safe environment
• Align with community resources as indicated for appropriate care
• Verify medical orders are accurate, properly authorized and without contraindication.
• Administer prescribed medications and IV therapy or provide client/family/other education regarding self-administration.
• Develop, initiate, and document plan to provide client/family/other education and counseling.
• Evaluate home environment and initiate plan to ensure a safe environment.
• Institute standard policies and procedures to stabilize clients in an emergency situation.
• Demonstrate competence with technical nursing skills according to personal and legal scope of practice:
• Assessment skills as applied to the client, family/support system, and environment
• Teaching/counseling skills
• Realistic and measurable goal setting
• Evaluate client's medications for potential interactions, duplication, adverse effects and non-compliance
• Initiate appropriate preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures
• Practice nursing with respect for individual, cultural, and spiritual differences
• Communicate interventions and client response to interventions effectively and in accordance with Agency requirements
• Report significant changes in client condition and needs to physician and other members of the team in a timely manner
• Maintain client records and clinical notes, showing systematic assessment, planning intervention and evaluation
• Coordinate services for the client as needed
• Participate in team meetings and clarify individualized reporting responsibilities with all new assignments
• Document legibly and according to Agency documentation guidelines and standards
• Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Promote personal safety and a safe environment for clients and coworkers
• Demonstrate knowledge of safety/infection control practices by complying with established policies and procedures
• Recognize and respond appropriately to potentially unsafe situations
• Demonstrate safe practice in the use of equipment.
• Assess environmental safety and take initiative to prevent accidents and promote safety.
• Evaluate the home for its suitability for client care
• Notify case manager of need for review and/or training related to equipment, procedures, safety or infection control practices
• Initiate delegation of tasks to only those with verified skills and only for clients that are stable and where the outcome of the delegated task is predictable:
• Consider complexity of care, educational preparation and Agency policies when delegating care
• Remain responsible for all delegated acts
• Delegate/assign duties as specified in Agency regulations
• Initiate and assist with delegated care
• Participate in ongoing, professional self-development:
• Participate in all mandatory education per Agency guidelines
• Participate in supervising and teaching other nursing personnel as required
• Identify needs for personal professional growth.
• Demonstrate competence in areas of assignment or identifies the need for additional training
• Perform other duties as assigned