Assesses and provide skilled nursing care to home hospice patients on an intermittent basis.  

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of multi system assessment and reassessment.
• Demonstrates the ability to coordinate effective patient/family education and discharge and transfer planning.
• Demonstrated proficiency in medication administration.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of signs and symptoms of abuse and reporting mechanism.
• Demonstrates appropriate care in regards to patient’s cultural beliefs, values and religion.
• Demonstrates the use of sterile technique with dressing changes.
• Maintains an awareness of patient’s condition and nursing care needs. Promotes care of the total patient with awareness of psychological, social, cultural, religious and family needs.
• Demonstrates effective pain management techniques.
• Participates in evaluation of patient’s care needs and does care plans and updates.
• Demonstrates ability to coordinate each patient’s care and role each person should play in obtaining these goals.
• Observes patients condition and reports abnormal reactions and changes in patient condition to physician.
• Responds and performs appropriately and effectively in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of how to use equipment pertaining to patient care. How to maintain and clean equipment.
• Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills using the lines of authority appropriately.
• CPR certification and Heimlich maneuver.
• Dresses appropriately and meets hygiene standards.
• Demonstrates professional medical care to the sick and disabled without regard to race, sex, age, creed, religion or inability to pay.
• Has knowledge and demonstrates appropriate care for patients’ growth and developmental needs.
• Follows through on tests or procedures left from previous day and reports on any incomplete assignments to assure continuity of care.
• Has knowledge and demonstrates appropriate care of nutritional needs.
• Complies with NARMC HIPAA Privacy and Security policies.
• Accurate assessment of patient care needs and eligibility for services.
• Implements appropriate nursing intervention to meet patient needs and changed condition according to physician orders.
• Completes the admission process timely and according to agency policy.
• Updates and coordinates patient care in cooperation with other members of the health care team, including care conference.
• Report to physician/patient/family the progression of the care given to patient.
• Ensures the patient record documentation reflects delivery of quality and safe home care services.
• Works closely with LPNs and home health aides providing delegation, instruction and supervision as necessary.
• Maintains a professional standard of nursing in the patient’s home that reflects the philosophy and professional standards of the department and regulatory bodies.
• Demonstrates awareness of cost controls and strives to reduce department costs.
• Supports hospital and departmental policies.
• Maintains strict patient confidentiality.
• Assists with orientation of new employees as requested.
• Performs supervisory visits of home health aides.
• Submits required paperwork accurately and timely in accordance with Agency policy and Federal and State regulations.
• Demonstrates accurate/efficient utilization of equipment/supplies.
• Prioritizes and utilizes time efficiently.
• Demonstrates flexibility to departmental demands and scheduling.
• Sound, effective decision making in all aspects of job performance.
• Develops and maintains effective communications mechanisms with staff members and other departments of the hospital, physicians, families and the community.
• Demonstrates awareness of responsibility and accountability for own actions and assigned responsibilities.
• Rotates on-call with other staff nurses.
• Reviews departmental policy & procedures yearly.
• Understands responsibility to report issues with privacy, fraud and abuse, compliance and ethical conduct.
• Communicates at appropriate comprehension level to patients/families.
• Reports directly to the Clinical Supervisor and ultimately to the Director of Home Health & Hospice all lapses in patient care and other employee issues.
• Performs job duties as a team member to assure the effectiveness of, and harmony within, the department.
• Creates a positive image of NARMC at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.