Registered Nurse (RN) -- Assessment Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

Registered Nurse (RN) — Assessment Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

ComforCare HomeCare is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and clinically skilled Registered Nurse (RN) to serve as an Assessment Nurse for our growing home healthcare practice. The RN is responsible for conducting comprehensive in-home assessments, developing individualized care plans, and ensuring each client receives safe, high-quality, person-centered care in the comfort of their own home.

The Assessment Nurse collaborates closely with clients, families, caregivers to ensure continuity of care and regulatory compliance. This position adheres to NJ home health regulations and ACHC accreditation standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct initial assessment for all active and prospective clients.
• Develop, implement, review, and update individualized care plans based on assessment findings.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of Home Health Aides (HHAs) and CNAs assigned to client cases.
• Collaborate with physicians, specialists, and multidisciplinary team members to coordinate client care.
• Educate clients and family members on care plans, diagnoses, medications, and safe home practices.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with federal, state, and agency standards.
• Identify changes in client condition and communicate findings promptly to the supervising clinician.
• Maintain full compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and all applicable New Jersey home health regulations.
• Complete all required documentation within agency-specified timeframes using EHR systems.

RN ASSESSMENT DUTIES IN HOME CARE

The following outlines the RN's clinical evaluation responsibilities during all home visits, including initial assessments, 30-day follow-ups, and 60-day reassessments.

Health History Review

• Review of current and past medical diagnoses, surgical history, hospitalizations, and allergies.
• Assessment of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, COPD, dementia, Parkinson's, etc.).
• Review of physician orders, discharge summaries, mental health history, and immunization records.

Physical Assessment

• Vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, SpO2, weight, and pain level.
• Cardiovascular & respiratory: heart/lung auscultation, peripheral circulation, and edema.
• Neurological & cognitive: orientation, cognitive screening (Mini-Cog, MMSE, MoCA), and speech.
• Musculoskeletal & mobility: strength, gait, fall risk screening, and assistive device assessment.
• Skin, nutrition, GI & GU: skin integrity, Braden Scale, appetite, continence, and catheter use.
• Psychosocial: depression/anxiety screening (PHQ-9, GAD-7), social support, and isolation risk.

• Home Safety: Fall hazards, bathroom safety, smoke/CO detectors, and emergency access.
• Medication Review: Reconciliation, high-risk drug identification, adherence, and storage.
• Care Plan: Nursing diagnoses, goal-setting, visit frequency, caregiver tasks, and POC approval.
• Client & Family Education: Diagnosis, medications, safe transfers, fall prevention, and warning signs.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program recognized by the New Jersey Board of Nursing.

Licensure & Certifications

• Active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license — State of New Jersey (required).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification (required).
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation (required).

Experience

• Minimum 1–2 years of clinical nursing experience; home health or geriatric setting strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with NJ home health regulations and ACHC accreditation standards preferred.

Background & Compliance

• Must pass criminal background check, drug screening, and TB test prior to hire.

• Must maintain current licensure, certifications, and continuing education throughout employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & COMPENSATION

• Field-based position — travel to client homes throughout the service area.
• Per diem employees must maintain active NJ licensure, current certifications, and full compliance with agency standards at all times, regardless of scheduled hours.
• Per diem availability requires the ability to respond promptly to scheduling requests; advance notice of unavailability must be communicated
• No guaranteed hours — The nurse is contacted and paid for work only when the agency requires an assessment or visit.
• Flexible scheduling — Ideal for RNs who prefer to supplement another position or manage their own availability.
• Availability required — The RN must remain responsive and available when called upon and maintain active licensure and compliance at all times.