Location: Fort Madison, Iowa
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Provides services to clients in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act, Optimae Home Health Services policy, and accepted professional standards of practice. Provides nursing services utilizing a comprehensive base of nursing theory and nursing processes, and communicates and documents observations and assessments. The professional nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individuals and families within their homes and communities.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care
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- Assumes responsibility and accountability for the practice of professional nursing in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act and standards for home health nursing.
- Performs comprehensive assessments of client status, including physical, psychosocial, and environmental parameters.
- Completes comprehensive assessments, including OASIS data set, within forty-eight(48) hours of referral unless other arrangements are made.
- Develops and/or follows an individualized Plan of Care that incorporates analysis of data and current scientific findings.
- Provides skilled interventions with a focus for achieving realistic client outcomes within a specified time period.
- Reports changes and information necessary to modify and update the care plan to reflect progress toward goals (outcomes).
- Consistently demonstrates competency with technical nursing skills according to personal and legal scope of practices:
- Assessment skills as applied to the client, family/support system, and environment.
- Teaching skills according to the client’s needs and within the context of the client’s environment, value system, and physical/emotional status.
- Able to competently set up medications without errors.
- Practices nursing with respect for individual, cultural, and spiritual differences.
- Communicates effectively and in accordance with Optimae Home Health Services requirements.
- Reports significant changes in client status to physician and other members of the team in a timely manner consistent with client needs.
- Maintains client records showing systematic assessment, planning intervention, and evaluation.
- Participates in team meetings and clarifies individualized reporting responsibilities with all new assignments.
- Documents legibly and according to the Optimae Home Health Services documentation guidelines and standards.
- Initiates actions to improve the quality of client care. Takes appropriate actions independently and responsively in home care situations. Initiates referrals as needed to other health team members when delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.
- Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
- Promotes personal safety and a safe environment for clients and co-workers.
- Demonstrates knowledge of safety and infection control practices by complying with established policies and procedures.
- Recognizes and responds appropriately to potentially unsafe situations.
- Demonstrates safe practice in the use of equipment.
- Notifies supervisor of need for review and/or training related to equipment, procedures, or safety and infection control practices.
- Participates in ongoing, professional self-development.
- Participates in all mandatory education per Optimae Home Health Services guidelines.
- Identifies needs for personal professional growth.
- Demonstrates competency in areas of assignment or identifies the need for additional training (pediatrics, infusion, specialized equipment, etc.).
- Supervises applicable home care team members as delegated by the Clinical Supervisor.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Assumes responsibility and accountability for the practice of professional nursing in accordance with the State Nurse Practice Act and standards for home health nursing.
Communication
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- Prepares clinical notes and updates the primary physician when necessary and at least every 60 days.
- 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.
- Communicates with community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.
Additional Duties
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- Participates in on-call duties as defined by the on-call policy.
- Ensures that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.
- Instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care provided every two (2) weeks.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
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- Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing and current license as a Registered Nurse in the state(s) of practice.
- Licensed driver with automobile insured in accordance with state and/or Optimae Home Health Services requirements and in good repair. Good driving record.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Prolonged or considerable walking or standing. Able to lift, position or transfer patients. Able to lift supplies and equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills. See ADA Requirements.
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