The home health Baylor RN uses the nursing process (assesses, plans, implements, evaluates) to provide patient care in the home setting.  Provides individualized patient care for patients in all developmental stages throughout the life span including: Adult - 18-72 years, Geriatric - 72 + years, according to established policies, procedures, guidelines and nursing standards of care.  This position is primarily responsible for the initial assessment and case development of patients in all stages of life in their homes based on the nurse’s experience and competency evaluation.  Will perform non-start-of-care visits as necessary to ensure physician’s orders are being followed, and patient is receiving quality care.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

1. Assesses, interprets, plans, implements and evaluates patients according to the patient’s age and diagnosis.

2.    Effectively and efficiently manages the assessment of new patients and coordinates care with a multi-disciplinary team, and performs follow up visits when necessary.

3.    Appropriately communicates information in accordance with agency policies and procedures and discipline specific guidelines.

4.    Contributes to program effectiveness.

5.    Organizes and performs work effectively and efficiently.

6.    Maintains and adjusts schedule to enhance agency performance.

7.    Demonstrates a daily commitment to the values of the agency.

8.    Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations in dealing with all members of the agency.

9.    Maintains and promotes customer satisfaction.

10.  Effectively demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of the Agency on a daily basis.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1.    Education:  Graduate of an accredited or approved school of nursing, either an AD, Diploma, or BSN program.

2.    Licensure / Certifications:   Current license to practice professional nursing in the State in which providing care (NC/SC).

3.    Experience:  Two years nursing experience, home health experience preferred.

4.    Essential Technical / Motor Skills:  Hand/eye coordination in order to give injections, use computer, etc.  Must be able to communicate and be literate in the English language.  Able to manipulate patient care equipment, to properly transfer and guard patients.

5.    Interpersonal Skills:  Ability to develop positive interaction with patients, patients’ families, physicians and staff in order to effectively care for the patients.

6.    Essential Physical Requirements:  Ability to transfer and/or maneuver objects weighing at least 50 pounds in the assessment and implementation of patient care.  Requires frequent pushing, moving, lifting of patients.  Positioning of patients, giving patients baths and ambulating patients expending much physical effort.  Occasionally requires reaching overhead, stair climbing and fine motor manipulation.

7.    Essential Mental Abilities:  Must be able to assess a patient’s condition, formulate a plan of care, select appropriate interventions, evaluate patient’s response to care/treatment, and to explain/teach patients about their condition/recovery.  Requires higher level of mental faculties accompanied by short-and long-term memory.  Able to prioritize duties, learn new skills and techniques in patient care.  Able to learn and use supportive services.

8.    Essential Sensory Requirements:  Ability to visually assess patients and to utilize sight to implement and evaluate plan of care (changing dressings, starting IVs, regulating IV’s, maintain equipment as to readouts, etc.).  Utilize hearing to auscultate lung sounds, bowel sounds, hear alarms, and effectively communicate with patients, families, physician, and staff.

9.    Exposure to Hazards:  Noise, exposure to blood borne pathogens and body fluids, infectious diseases, and needle puncture wounds.  May be exposed to dangerous animals and traffic hazards while home visiting.  May encounter patients and other situations which present a potential threat to personal safety.  May encounter temperature changes and weather extremes.

10.  Hours of Work:  Typically Fri – Sun, with additional times possible

11.  Population Served:  adults, geriatrics, and pediatrics.

12.  Must have a valid driver’s license and an operational vehicle.