Visiting Nurse Service RN

Reports to: Rural Health Clinic Director

FLSA Classification: PRN

The working environment is a normal clinical setting and patient home setting with exposure to sharps and biological and chemical agents. It is expected that facility safety practices and protocols are followed at all at times.

Essential Functions:

• Perform admission assessment within 48 hours of referral or patient's return to his/her residence.
• Develop a care plan for each patient during the admission process.
• Assess patient's condition, initiate plan of care, re-evaluate the updates as necessary.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilize appropriate pain management techniques. Educate the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Perform patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for the patients age.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on the age of the patient, weight and patient's medical diagnosis.
• Follow the five rights of medication administration to reduce the potential for medication errors.
• Provide skilled nursing care.
• Obtains all physician orders and collaborates with physician as patient needs dictate.
• Perform all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Assure that all patient cases are established and reviewed at least every 60 days by the supervising provider of the Rural Health Clinic and discuss multidisciplinary team responsibilities, patient progress, plans for continued care and any potential or new problems.
• Re-evaluate the need for continued care on an ongoing basis; initiate the recertification as necessary.
• Plans for discharge from the agency with the patient and caregivers. Make appropriate referrals for alternative level of care if necessary.
• Address and support cultural practices, as long as such practices do not harm others to interfere with the planned course of medical therapy.
• Promote patient/ family/ caregiver education using various verbal and written communication techniques that consider the patient's family cultural, ethnic and/or personal needs or preferences.
• Obtain needed supplies and equipment to successfully care for he patient in their home.
• Knowledge of current federal, state and agency regulations concerning patient care.
• Participates in agency's activities, in-service, quality improvement, and other committees deemed pertinent.
• Adheres to all agency, payroll, billing and documentation policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the ability to chart according to professional standards.
• Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.

• Follows department and facility policy and procedures.
• Reports any patient complaints to the Director and enters them into the Pioneers Medical Center Incident Reporting system.
• Follows up with obtaining lab results and notifying providers of any significant results.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community and in the patient’s homes.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the organization.
• Conduct physical exams to assess patient health needs and problems.
• Implement physicians’ orders, such as performing treatments, starting IVs, administering medications, and interpreting tests.
• Review and maintain medical records.
• Document pertinent information and medication administration.
• Counsel patients and family members on disease prevention and health maintenance.
• Maintain a safe and hygienic working environment.
• Provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families.
• Complete required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.
• Assess patient health continuously and implement and develop nursing care plans.
• Receive patients, explain procedures, check vital signs, complete assessments, required screenings, administer therapy, monitor reactions, document and report information to physicians appropriately.
• Deal with emergency situations effectively as they arise.
• Appropriately and accurately document patient care, medication administration, and the ongoing assessment of the patient.
• Maintain and ensure confidentiality of patient information and records.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Read emails, participate in staff meetings and communication to remain updated on trends, changes, department and organizational requirements.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Emotional Intelligence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Diploma, Associate, or Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited school of nursing required or Licensed Practical Nurse from an accredited school of nursing required.
• Current, unencumbered Colorado Nursing license is required.
• Current BLS, required within six (6) months of hire or transfer.
• Knowledge of current nursing trends and practices, utilizing evidence-based practices.

Skills and Expectation:

• Kind and professional demeanor.
• Professional and well-groomed appearance.
• Communicate positively and effectively, both written and verbally, with patients, family, and staff, and people of all ages.
• Demonstrate effective organizational skills in an evolving environment.
• Work with honesty, compassion and integrity at all times.
• Adherence to PMC confidentiality procedures and policies when dealing with employees and the community.
• Knowledge of current nursing trends and practice.
• Present and punctual for shifts and participate in communication to stay updated on department and organizational requirements.
• Comply with established personal protective equipment requirements necessary for protection against exposure to potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, radiation, and other hazardous substances.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing this job, the employee:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary positon 50% of the time.
• Must be able to move and traverse about the facility 50% of the time.
• Frequently transport objects weighing up to 50lbs
• Occasionally position objects weighing up to 100lbs.
• Must be able to communicate and exchange information in a way others will understand.
• Must be able to recognize details such as color and depth within a few feet of the observer.
• Frequently operates computers, machinery, and other healthcare equipment.
• Constantly positions self to complete essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.