Job Description
Registered Nurse

I.  SUMMARY OF POSITION

1. Performs professional services in accordance with the standards, policies and philosophy of the organization, the appropriate state nurse practice acts and federal regulations.
2. She/he gives treatment, nursing care and health instruction to patients.
3. Responsible to the nursing supervisor and to the director of nursing services.

II.  TASKS

1. Provides skilled care in patient’s home.
2. Teaches and supervises patient and family members in providing care.
3. Initiates nursing measures to prevent complications or to minimize the disabling effects of disease or injury.
4. Attends staff meetings, case conferences and inservices, and participates in annual skills day.
5. Attends hospice interdisciplinary team conference when providing care to a hospice patient.
6. Required to do an average of 5.5 visits per day (if visits are available or as assigned).
7. Gets along well with others.  Skilled at maintaining good interpersonal relationships. Demonstrates courtesy, effectiveness, and discretion.
8. Interprets and analyzes information appropriately and uses good thought process in organizing ideas and suggestions.
9. Initiates appropriate interventions and exercises judgment and decision making skills consistent with home health agency philosophy.
10. Evaluates the home for its suitability for patient care.
11. Performs well under stress, or in unusual situations and is able to cope with stress.  Is stable, flexible and dependable.
12. Identifies problems, proposes solutions, facilitates change and evaluates outcomes.
13. Ability to communicate ideas effective to others (written and oral).
14. Observes, evaluates, and reports to the physician as necessary.
15. Instructs the patient and the family of the implications of the diagnosis and the nature of the treatment, in a manner consistent with the action and wishes of the physician, patient, and families.
16. Maintains open line of communication with supervisor and subordinates.
17. Appearance and behavior create a favorable impression and are consistent with philosophy of company.
18. Participates in call schedule and weekend visit coverage as directed by supervisor.
19. Participates in bereavement activities as directed.
20. Timely and accurate completion of paperwork related to patient’s plan of care.
21. Assesses patients and reassesses patients.
22. Participates in performance improvement activities.
23. Performs in the scope of practice after competency has been determined.

III.  QUALIFICATIONS

1. Completion of an accredited school of nursing and licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state(s) in which he/she will be working.
2. Previous home health/hospice nursing experience preferred.
3. Minimum of one year acute Med-Surg nursing experience preferred.
4. Excellent patient assessment skills.
5. Ability to handle and manage confidential matters.
6. Personal qualities to deal with patients and their families.
7. A strong commitment to the values, goals, and philosophy of home health services as set forth by the Board of Directors of the company.