Staff Nurse/Visiting Nurse

The staff nurse is a registered professional nurse who administers skilled nursing care to patients requiring professional nursing services, teaches and supervises the family and other members of the nursing team. Each Staff nurse performs nursing services for residents within a specific area. These services are performed in accordance with the nurse practice act/scope of practice, physican’s order and under the direction and supervison of the administrator. Qualifications: - Graduate of an approved school of professional nursing - Licensed registered nurse in the state - Minimum of one (1) year experience as a professional nurse Responsibilities Conducts the admission of the patient to the agency by: - Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition, from the patient and/or family member(s) - Conducting a physical examination of the patient, including vital signs, physical assessment of systems, mental status and diet. - Evaluating the patient, family member(s) and home situation to determine what health teaching will be required. - Evaluating the patient’s environment/safety issues to determine what assistance will be available from family member(s) in caring for the patient. - Evaluating the patient’s condition and home situation to determine if the services of a home health aide will be required and the frequency of this service. - Interpreting nursing and other services of the agency to patients and families as part of planning for care. - Developing and implementing the nurse care plan Provide skilled nursing as outlined in the nursing care plan to include the following: - Nursing services, treatments and preventive procedures requiring substantial specialized skill and ordered by the physician. - Initiating preventive and reliable nursing procedures as appropriate for the patient’s care and safety. - Observing signs and symptoms and reporting to the physician reactions to treatment, including drugs, and changes in the patient’s physical or emotional condition. - Teaching, supervising, and counseling the patient and caregiver regarding the nursing care needs and other related problems of the patient at home. - Charts those services the staff nurse has rendered to the patient, note changes in the patient’s condition and/or family and home situation, make revisions in the nursing care plan as needed, record supervisory visits conducted with the home health aide, evaluates patient care and progress and close charts of the discharged patient. - Consults with the attending physician concerning alteration of the plan of treatment. - Submits clinical notes no less often the weekly, and progress notes and other clinical record forms outlining the services rendered as indicated. - Discusses with the administrator problems concerning the patient and how they may best be handled. - Discusses with the administrator the need for involvement of other members of the health care team such as the home health aide, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc.