Summary:
The Registered Nurse provides skilled nursing care to patients in their home under the general guidance and direction of the Case Manager, according to the physician’s orders and in accordance with Harmony Home Health policies and procedures and following established standards of care.
This position is in Edgewood and will be 8 pm to 6 am 4 days a week.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following information is intended to be representative of the essential functions performed by incumbents in this position and is not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific task or function will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of position responsibilities.
- Provide those services and/or treatments requiring substantial and specialized nursing skill.
- Refer patient to and coordinate other services as needed.
- Accept staff assignments based upon specific patient needs and family capabilities.
- Function as a team member demonstrating collaboration with, and responsibility to patient, physician, and interdisciplinary team.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team case conferences and all other mandated activities, as requested by Clinical Supervisor or Branch Director. Including in-services, utilization review and performance improvement committees.
- Perform nursing care according to the needs of the patient and as indicated in the written plan of care. Assist in the assessment of needs, formulation and review of patient care plans.
- Complete and submit necessary documentation (clinical, progress notes skilled nursing needs form, task and medication records) in accordance with Harmony Policy and applicable regulations.
- Evaluate outcomes of care and inform the physician and other staff of changes in the client’s needs.
- Adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilize appropriate pain management techniques. Educate the patient and family regarding pain management.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards and as permitted within the scope of the individual’s license.
- Observe, record, and report patient condition and reaction to drugs and treatments.
- Follow the five (5) medication rights. (Right Drug, Dose, Patient, Frequency, Route)
- Recognize and use opportunities to teach/counsel health concepts to the patient and family regarding medication, treatment regiments and self-care techniques/activities. Leave written teaching aides in home.
- Follow up on all significant findings including laboratory reports and significant information provided by the patient or other caregivers.
- Observe, record, and report patient condition and reaction to drugs and treatments to the patient’s physician.
- Inform the physician and other staff of changes in the patient’s needs.
- Follow agency policies and Regional/Branch/Clinical Director’s instructions.
- Ensure all paperwork from shifts is completed within the allotted time of the shift.
- Have a good understand of Medicaid guidelines.
- Utilize education opportunities to improve skills and knowledge base of Medicaid, homecare, and skills associated with it.
- If a clinician should encounter a patient they are unable to treat, due to lack of training or education, they will need to contact their supervisor immediately. Another clinician with the proper skill level will treat the patient until the initial clinician receives the proper training to serve the patient’s needs.
- Perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Identify patients who do not meet Medicaid criteria.
- Assist with patient teaching and discharge planning activities. Promotes pt/family/cg education using various verbal and written communication techniques that consider the pt/family’s cultural, ethnic and/or personal needs or preferences.
- Maintain patient confidentiality.
- Use Universal Body Fluid Precautions and follow OSHA guidelines at all times. Follow hand-washing policy and if necessary demonstrate procedure.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organizational skills; provide patient visits as scheduled, complete patient care within designated time.
- Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of Harmony Home Health & Hospice.
Communication
- Complete and submit necessary documentation in accordance with Harmony Policy and applicable regulations.
- Communicates with the physician regarding the patient’s needs and reports any changes in the patient’s condition; obtains/receives physician’s orders as required.
Behavior
- Maintain professionalism while communicating with the patient and/or family, co-workers, supervisors.
- Maintain a positive attitude in all aspect of the position. (your attitude is a direct reflection on yourself and Harmony)
- Accountable for all decisions and the outcomes from those decisions.
- Responsible to look for ways to improve patient care.
Additional Duties
- Attend all meetings, trainings, reviews, and in-services, as scheduled.
- Adhere to dress code, appearance neat and clean. Wear identification while providing patient care.
- Complete annual education requirements for CHAP and if necessary for operating state. Maintain currency of professional knowledge by participating in continuing education.
- Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. Participate in the Quality Assurance process.
- Practice in manner consistent with the professional and Harmony code of ethics. Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
- Follow all Harmony Home Health policies and procedures; adhere to payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
- Adhere to legal practice standards, including applicable federal, state, and local regulations and standards.
- Follow Harmony’s adverse event/incident reporting procedure and Emergency Preparedness Plan.