The Staff Nurse is accountable for assisting with the preparation of and interpretation of the client's plan of care, systemic client assessments/reassessments with appropriate interpretation of the findings and performance of nursing treatments, procedures and total client care in accordance with established agency and nursing care standards. This Staff Nurse reports to the agency's Nursing Supervisor and/or Director, provides clinical supervision to LPNs and Nursing Assistants and has frequent contact with physicians regarding client care.

Responsible for preparation of and interpretation of client plans of care and systematic assessments/reassessments.

Responsible for performing nursing treatments, procedures and total client care in accordance with established agency and nursing care standards.

Responsible for communicating pertinent client assessments/reassessments finding to physician.

Responsible for initiating referrals to other health care organizations and community services based on identified client needs and physician orders.

In consultation with the physician, determines client suitability for admission to the home care program and family's ability to meet the needs of the client in the home.

Performs initial systematic client assessments and reassessments as assigned, to include educational needs, psycho, social, discharge planning, etc.

Assists the physician in the development and revision of the client's Plan of Care, based on the client's current health status and identified needs.

Interprets and follows the client's Plan of Care appropriately.

Schedules and performs timely client reassessments, based on identified client needs and physician orders.

Performs nursing treatments and procedures and total client care which may require expert skill and judgment in accordance with established nursing care standards.

Performs certain special procedures for which specialized training has been received.

Monitors the client's response to care provided.

Communicates pertinent client assessment/reassessment findings to the physician, other agency personnel, others participating in the client's care and, as needed, 3rd party payers.

 Initiates referrals to other agency disciplines, other health care organizations and community resources, based on identified client needs and physician orders.

 Reviews ancillary service reports and communicates abnormal results to physicians and, as appropriate, to clients/caregivers and other agency personnel.

Notifies supervisor and physician when the client's plan of care has not been followed or ancillary services are not completed.

Transports equipment and supplies to client homes for use in providing nursing care.

 Provides effective client/caregiver education.

Assists clients in performing activities of daily living to meet their basic needs.

Assures the clinical records, for assigned caseload, contain all required documentation.

Assigns and reviews work performed by LPNs and aides to assure the client receives care and treatment appropriate to his/her needs and in compliance with the plan of care and established policies and procedures.

 In consultation with the physician, determines appropriateness of client discharge, considering client needs and available resources and documents process per agency policy.

 Prepares and maintains reports, charts, records and forms as required by agency and applicable regulatory agencies.

 Participates in teaching activities for other personnel and nursing students.

Participates in the orientation of new agency personnel, as requested.

Operates vehicle in a safe and efficient manner and arranges for routine maintenance and repairs, as assigned.

Attends in-service education programs and participates in committee meetings, as requested.

Assumes responsibility for personal professional development.

Assists in the development, review, and revision of nursing policies and procedures, as requested.

Performs Clinical Record Reviews and other quality improvement activities, as requested.

Respects the dignity and confidentiality of all matters relating to the organization and its clients.

Participates in on-call rotation, as assigned.

Assumes responsibility for personal conduct.

Shows reliability in attendance.

Performs other related duties, as required, within the scope of the job classification.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:         

Graduation from a state accredited or approved school of nursing

Valid license as a Registered Nurse in the State of employment.

Valid automobile operator's license.

Able to travel to client residences in inclement weather and provide nursing care in varying environmental situations.

At least 2 years experience as a Registered Nurse OR 1 year experience as a Registered Nurse with 3 years patient care experience as an LPN, prior to becoming a RN.

POSITION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess the physical abilities to endure prolonged standing and walking and ability to lift, carry, push and pull; exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently; and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Heavy Work.