REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF NURSING

DEPARTMENT: CLINICAL

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provides nursing services in the patient’s home in accordance with agency standards and applicable laws and regulations. Ensures that patients receive the highest possible quality of care.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing, currently licensed as a Registered Nurse/or Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Knowledge of all types of home health equipment utilized by patients as well as forms and paperwork necessary for documentation.
• Maintain a reliable means of communication.
• Maintain reliable transportation.
• Current CPR certification.
• Maintain valid ID or Driver’s License.
• Provide proof of vehicle insurance when transporting a client.
• Evidence of empathy toward care of the sick/disabled.
• Good verbal and written communications skills required.
• Participates in professional meetings when directed.
• Is able to work closely supervised to ensure competence in providing patient care.
• Work at least 2 weekend shifts per month if working on a permanent case that utilizes weekends.
• Evidence of maturity and ability to deal effectively with job demands.
• Ability to deal and work effectively in a stressful environment.
• Demonstrate ability to read, write and carry out directions.
• Able to organize and file in alphabetical and chronological order.
• Time management, organization and attention to detail skills.
• Knowledge of and willingness to learn basic office procedures and use of equipment.
• Proof of basic computer skills and knowledge.
• Employment qualification requirements remain in compliance throughout the year.
• Shall have a criminal history background check (FBI, State & Child Abuse, OIG and Social Security number check prior to being offered employment with this agency).
• Neat in appearance and practice, with good personal hygiene. Maintain dress code policy.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all agency records.
• Ability to remain in compliance with all agency policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to assess and communicate with sick/disabled clients, co-workers, and the general public.
• Maintain visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communications.
• Able to work a minimum of 8 hours per month.
• Ability to perform tasks involving physical activities which may include heavy lifting up to 50 to 75 pounds and extensive bending and standing for an average of 6 hours per day.
• Able to write up to 3 hours per day.
• Able to drive 50 to 100 miles per day.
• Provide documentation of clear TB skin test/Chest x-ray yearly.

May be employed by the agency if he or she has met the following conditions:

RN/LPN is expected to pass a competency examination and medication quiz with at least an 80% or better on both. The content of the competency evaluation of the agency will include but is not limited to:

• Communication skills.
• Observation, reporting, and documentation of a client’s status and the care or service furnished.
• Reading and recording temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressures.
• Basic infection control procedures and instruction on universal precautions.
• Basic elements of body functions and changes in body function that must be reported to the supervisor.
• Maintenance of a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
• Recognizing emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures.
• The physical, emotional, and developmental needs of and ways to work with the populations served by the agency, including the need for respect for the client and his or her privacy and personal property.
• Appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming that include:
  • Bed bath
  • Sponge, tub, or shower bath
  • Shampoo, sink, tub, or bed
  • Nail and hair care
  • Oral hygiene
  • Toileting and eliminating
  • Safe transfer techniques and ambulation
  • Normal range of motion and position
  • Adequate nutrition and fluid intake
  • Patient’s rights
  • Any other task that the agency may choose to have the home health aide perform

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

• Clinical (Direct Patient Care)
• Administrative
• Educational

DUTIES:

• Ensures quality and safe delivery of home health care services.
• Implements current nursing practices.
• Fulfills additional performance responsibilities as assigned and as necessary.
• Provides information regarding equipment and supply needs of the home health care agency.
• Uses equipment and supplies safely, effectively and efficiently.
• Promotes and maintains an agency environment that is in compliance with Federal, State and Local regulatory agencies.
• Promotes education for home health care staff members, clients, client families, and the community.
• Participates in personal, professional growth and development.
• Client clinical records are documented per home health care agency policy and procedure.
• Promotes effective written/verbal communication.
• Works effectively with the medical staff, other members of the health care team and administrative personnel.
• Maintains a cooperative working relationship.