Qualifications:

- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, with one year of health care experience preferred.
- Current RN license, CPR certification, valid drivers license, and proof of auto insurance.
- Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic math skills, and nursing skills per competency checklist.
- Must be able to withstand prolonged or considerable walking, standing, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching.
- Ability to lift, position or transfer patients; as well as supplies and equipment. Minimum lifting required is 25 lbs.
- Visual acuity and hearing to perform required nursing skills.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Patient Care

1. Complete an initial assessment to include OASIS of patient and family to determine home care needs. Provide a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es).
2. Develop a care plan utilizing health assessment data, which establishes goals based on nursing diagnosis and incorporates therapeutic, preventive,and rehabilitative nursing actions. Includes the patient and family in the planning process.
3. Regularly re-evaluate patient nursing needs and make necessary revisions to plan of care as patient status and needs change.
4. Act as Case Manager when assigned by Clinical Manager and assume responsibility to coordinate patient care with other disciplines as necessary and prescribed for assigned caseload. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to: scheduling, telehealth placement, and supply management.
5. Initiate appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures. Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician.
6. Counsel the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs and make appropriate referrals as required.
7. Provide health care instructions and education to the patient and/or caregiver as appropriate per assessment and plan of care.
8. Identify discharge-planning needs as part of the care plan development and implements prior to discharge of the patient.

Communication

1. Prepare clinical notes and update the primary physician when necessary and in accordance with regulations and communicates with team members and community health related persons to coordinate the care plan.
2. Communicate with the physician regarding the patient's needs and report any changes in the patient's condition; obtain/receive physician's orders as required.

Physical/Mental

1. Must be able to climb three flights of stairs
2. Must be able to perform tasks involving physical activity, such as heavy lifting extensive bending and standing; maintain calm in emergency situations.
3. Must be willing to be responsible for, and to maintain job-related supplies/equipment according to agency policy and expectations.

Additional Duties

1. Must be willing to accept assignments without regard to location, socio-economic environment, disease, ethnic origin or religion.
2. Must be willing to make scheduled visits on weekends or evenings when assigned. Must comply with organizational policies, procedures, and VNS Code of Ethics regarding therapeutic relationships with patients.
3. Ensure that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.
4. Instruct, supervise, evaluate and document Certified Home Health and Hospice Aides and LPNs as required by regulation.
5. All other duties as assigned.

Essential Hazardous Exposures:

Physical

1. Must be willing to travel during inclement weather.
2. May be potentially exposed to variable temperatures in working environment.
3. May be potentially exposed to. including but not limited to, the threat of physical violence to self, dangerous insects and animals such as dogs, rodents, reptiles, spiders, etc. and to infectious diseases, needle sticks, etc.

Chemical Materials

Potential exposure to cleaning substances within patient environment, as well as substances within office environment including copy machine toner, VDT emissions and cleaning solvents.

Personal Protective Equipment Required

Must follow Universal Precautions techniques in accordance with all agency policies and procedures, to include use of personal protective equipment.