Purpose of Position: The Nurse ensures the quality and safe delivery of home health services via the Nursing Process. Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and coordinates all care in the home. The nurse carries out this process in a collaborative relationship with the patient and other health team members.

Responsibilities:

1. Assesses the patient/family situation for nursing and health related problems.
2. Provides nursing care to patients requiring part time or intermittent professional nursing care at home.
3. Develops and coordinates the plan of care specific to the needs of individual patients in conjunction with all health team members.
4. Instructs and supervise patients, caregivers, LPNs, and home health aides in aspects of patient care as appropriate.
5. Reports significant conditions/symptoms to the patient’s physician and modifies the plan of care accordingly.
6. Initiates appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures.
7. Educates the patient/family regarding the disease process, self care techniques and prevention strategies.
8. Evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of care.
9. Consults with and refers to other professionals or agencies in the community concerning patient needs not within the scope of VNSW.
10. Interprets to patient/families Agency policies, procedures and federal/state/local laws and regulations affecting service or entitlements.
11. Documents, on a timely basis, all nursing service provided to patients as well as periodic reports to coordinate care and remain in compliance with state/federal regulations.
12. Systematically plans for discharge from service.
13. Effectively manages document flow and confidentiality of patient records as per Agency policy.
14. Demonstrates a knowledge of and adherence to agency policy as well as state/federal regulations governing home care service.
15. Participates in program evaluation, research, educational programs and other agency activities as appropriate.
16. Maintains sufficient service productivity to meet agency goals and objectives.
17. Participates in activities to enhance professional growth.
18. Participates in the orientation of new staff.
19. Participates in the student nurse program as assigned.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. License and current registration to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of New York.
2. Minimum of 1 to 2 years experience as a registered nurse in either Medical/Surgical nursing or a general morbidity program.
3. Ability to assess and respond to the needs of patients and families in the home setting.
4. Professional Liability Insurance in the amount specified by VNSW.
5. Able to drive with automobile in good working order and available for use in the field.
6. Ability to master basic computer skills.