STAFF REGISTERED NURSE

 DEFINITION:

The registered staff nurse is an individual who provides skilled nursing services to patients in the home setting.  The staff registered nurse is responsible to and works under the direction of the Director of Nursing.

 LINE OF AUTHORITY: 

Reports directly to the DON and/or Nursing Supervisor, oversees services provided by Licensed Practical Nurses, and Home Health Aides.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, currently licensed in the state of practice with one to three (1-3) years of nursing experience; home care experience preferred.
• Must have physical abilities to adequately perform described duties.
• Ability to learn and apply professional training, follow physician's orders and produce accurate records of activities and services provided.

• Able to see and hear adequately to respond to auditory and visual requests which relate to the coordination of Agency activities.
• Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate direction for Agency activities and staff.       
• Ability to organize work procedures, assume responsibility and effectively supervise others.
• Demonstrates problem solving abilities and positive interpersonal communication skills are essential.
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge regarding exposure to body fluids, and chemicals, and some hazardous equipment.
• Demonstrates exceptional assessment skills.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides case management as described in state regulation for all cases involving nursing and therapy services.
• Makes the initial evaluation visit as applicable.
• Re-evaluates patient's nursing needs on a regular basis.
• Furnishes services requiring substantial and specialized nursing skill.
• Participates in in-service programs, trains, and teaches other nursing personnel.

• Assumes responsibility for each patient receiving nursing or personal care.
• Develop and implement the nursing care for the patient under the direction of the physician.
• Provides nursing services, treatments and diagnostic procedures requiring specialized skills.
• Observes and reports symptoms, reaction to treatments, drugs, and changes in the patient's physical or emotional condition.
• Initiates preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures as appropriate for the patient's care and safety.
• Is responsible for clinical and progress notes for each patient receiving care.
• Coordinates services as needed for the patient.
• Assures that progress reports are made to the physician for patients under medical care describing patient activities and or changes in condition.
• Counsels the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs.
• Provides supervision of home health aide services and LPN employees.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and agency matters.
• Prepares written instructions for care provided by home health aides.
• May assign selected portions of patient care to licensed practical nurses and home health aides but always retains the full responsibility for the care given and for supervisory visits to the patient's home.

• Performs additional duties as assigned by the DON and/or Nursing Supervisor.
• Attains quarterly goals as established in the annual performance evaluation.
• Submits required documentation in a timely manner.