Home Health Nurse (RN) - Vanguard Home Care - Southeast - Full Time

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Clinical Manager of Home Health and working under direct supervision plans, coordinates, supervises and/or provides nursing care for patients in the home in order to prevent or postpone institutionalization.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans and provides professional nursing care. Renders emergency care as necessary and administers prescribed treatments. Instructs and supervises family members, auxiliary nursing personnel or others providing nursing care to the patient.

2. Observes, evaluates and reports to the physician the patient's physical and emotional condition as well as reactions to medications or treatments. Interprets to the physician social, physical factors or environmental factors which may affect patient care. Observes and estimates the potential dangers of disabling conditions and recommends preventive/corrective measures.

3. Maintains accurate patient records including care plan, progress notes, Oasis Assessment, medications given, vital signs and treatments administered. Regularly re-evaluates the patients' nursing needs following the initial evaluation visit.

4. Performs diagnostic tests as authorized and interprets the findings of the tests to patients and/or their family. Obtains laboratory specimens as indicated.

5. Based on consultation with the physician, interprets to the patient and family the implications of the diagnosis and the nature of treatment. Plans nursing care with the family and the physician which is within the physical, financial and emotional resources of the family.

6. Provides the patient and their family with information, support and encouragement which may help them to adopt attitudes and practices that promote the health and reduce the anxiety and tension in the patient. Assists the family/patient in accepting the appropriate medical, hospital, nursing home, welfare or other necessary care. Interprets the extent/limitations of available services, arranges referrals and communicates pertinent patient/family information to the agency upon request.

7. Remains current of developments in the field of nursing by reading pertinent literature and incorporates the same into nursing practice where applicable and/or appropriate.

8. Evaluates environmental safety and provides environment that is safe based on the age and developmental status of the patient.

9. Facilitates patient/family participation in self care based on the age and developmental status of the patient.

10. Demonstrates the appropriate psychosocial interventions based on the age and developmental status of the patient.

11. Takes part in the agencies Quality Improvement Plan, collects data and is a member of a Quality Improvement team.

12. Conforms to the established Standards of Behavior.

13. Other duties as assigned.

This position supports the southeast territory

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

1. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois.

2. Current Illinois driver's license and auto liability insurance.

3. Completion of an Associate's Degree from an accredited school of nursing. Bachelor's Degree highly desirable.

4. Minimum of one (1) year of nursing experience required. Previous experience in a Home Care environment highly desirable.

5. Current CPR certification.

6. The analytical ability necessary to assess a patient's condition and utilize the nursing process and professional judgment in providing comprehensive care to the patients.

7. The communication skills necessary for almost constant interaction with patients, families, physicians and other members of the health care team.

8. The physical ability required to lift/move/ambulate patients.

9. The ability to perform effectively and efficiently under the pressure of stressful or emergency situations.

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