Community Health Nurse

Job Description

Community Health Nurse – Behavioral Health

Department : Certified Home Health Agency

Reports To : Director of Nursing / Assistant Director of Nursing

Travel Rate : $78 / hr.

Local : $68 / hr.

Purpose of Position

Provides community-based professional nursing care to patients in group and private homes, as well as to unhoused populations. Diagnoses and treats responses to actual or potential health problems by means of nursing methods and techniques such as case-finding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive of and restorative to life and well-being. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the patient’s plan of care. Provides direct skilled nursing care and instructs patients in their place of residence. May coordinate the services of other caregivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive health and behavioral assessments, including mental health evaluations, medication management, and physical health status.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans based on medical and behavioral health needs, collaborating with family members and healthcare professionals.
• Monitor and assist with the administration of psychiatric medications, ensuring proper dosages, educating patients / families, and observing for side effects.
• Provide emotional support, de-escalate behavioral crises, and teach coping mechanisms for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Track patient progress, report on changes in health / behavior, and update care plans as needed.
• Educate patients and families on managing mental health conditions, building coping skills, and establishing wellness-promoting routines.
• Work closely with social workers, therapists, physicians, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Respond to behavioral health crises using de-escalation techniques or emergency referrals.
• Monitor physical health indicators such as vital signs, nutrition, and sleep, providing general nursing care as needed.
• Teach, guide, and direct allied nursing personnel; assist in the orientation of new staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary conferences and contribute to policy / procedure discussions.
• Contribute to systems of evaluation for nursing care, staff performance, and compliance.
• Maintain professional competence through continuing education and in-service programs.
• Participate in quality assurance / performance improvement (QA / PI) initiatives.
• Provide individualized skilled nursing services, including wound care, Foley catheter management, PEG / Trach care, injections, and other treatments as required.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of assessments, plans of care, progress notes, re-certifications, and discharge summaries.
• Supervise home health aides and coordinate services such as rehab, respiratory therapy, and nutritional support.
• Actively involve patients and caregivers in goal setting and care planning.
• Attend team meetings and case conferences; collaborate in discharge planning.
• Uphold ethical conduct and professional standards at all times.

Qualifications

Technology & Equipment

Pride Health offers eligible employees comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), supplemental coverage (accident insurance, critical illness insurance, and hospital indemnity), 401(k)-retirement savings, life & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, legal support, auto, home insurance, pet insurance, and employee discounts with preferred vendors.