POSITION SUMMARY :
To provide skilled high tech nursing care to technology-dependent individuals in a home care setting and in accordance with an established nursing plan of care. There is often a need to work evenings, weekends or holidays
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS :
I. Education :
Associates degree or higher in nursing (or other appropriate discipline)
II. Experience :
Minimum two or more years of directly related home / public health, hospice and / or high tech nursing experience
III. License Requirements :
Current Vermont Nursing License (RN or LPN)
IV. General :
- Must demonstrate and maintain any required competency
- Able to speak, read and write in English
- Be honest, self-directed, possess initiative, display good judgment and a positive attitude toward daily activities
- Have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in written work
- Be able to work cooperatively and in a productive manner with organization’s employees, clients, customers and the general public
- Maintain satisfactory standing with the Adult Abuse Registry, Child Abuse & Neglect Registry, Vermont Criminal Information Center and OIG
- Be free from the illegal use and effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace
- Be able to carry out the functions of this job without risk of harm to the health and safety of self and others
- Hold a valid driver’s license and have a reliable, registered vehicle with insurance as required by the organization, and appropriate to position
WORKING CONDITIONS :
1. Traveling may be required
2. May work in community based settings, and clients’ homes and outdoors
3. May work during non-business hours
4. May experience :
Hostile and emotionally upset clients, family members, visitors and staffStress due to a demanding professionAn exposure to blood-borne pathogensA variety of environmental exposures such as inclement weather, animals, firearms, tobacco use, dust, and other client based activities and preferencesESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
1. Must walk, sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently during working hours
2. Must have the ability to push, pull and lift from the floor, up to a total of 50 pounds and be able to move with the weight, as to organization’s standards
3. Climbing-be able to navigate stairs of varying heights and degrees
4. Balancing-be able to maintain balance
5. Kneeling, crouching, stooping, twisting, reaching below waist level, reaching overhead and reaching torso level
6. Manual finger dexterity-will need dexterity to perform duties and use equipment
7. Visual acuity-will need sufficient eyesight to drive a car, use office equipment and perform duties
8. Auditory acuity- will need to assist individuals in person and by telephone
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS :
I. Performance Standards :
Provide direct high tech nursing care to patients under minimal personal and procedural clinical supervision, following an established nursing plan of care, including : ongoing assessment of patient’s physical and family’s psycho / social health status; ventilator monitoring and care, tracheostomy care, use and care of feeding tubes, and other technical procedures; administration of medications, assisting with general exercise and specific physical therapy regimens; family teaching and support, exercise and physical therapy needs, medical procedures they can do at home and methods of carrying out daily living activitiesDiscuss patients’ status, problems, and needs with family members, and educate family members similarly about patients’ illnesses, treatment and careConfer regularly with case manager and / or other clinical staff (physical / occupational / speech therapists, etc.) involved with cases to discuss changes in patient status and care planReport changes in patients’ status to clinical manager and physician as appropriatePrepare all required clinical and administrative documentation related assigned activities, adhering to all relevant legal regulations, technical requirements of government Agencies, internal procedures, and professional standardsParticipate in a variety of formal and informal orientation, training and staff development programs and activities in order to expand clinical nursing knowledge and skills pertinent to home care nursing in general; to acquire specific skills in a specialty area such as hospice and the like; to gain a better understanding of mission and goals of the University of Vermont Health Network Home Health & Hospice; and to keep abreast of relevant new clinical / technical developments in the fieldIn carrying out all clinical duties, adhere to established protocols, guidelines and professional standards for Registered Nurse care, while exercising substantial clinical judgment regarding the most effective method of caring for the patient within the framework of patients’ care plans, consulting with senior clinical staff regarding unusual situationsOther duties as assigned by supervisorII. Professional Accountability :
Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and values of the organizationComplies with all organization policies and proceduresDemonstrates respectful and effective communication in all interactionsProtects the privacy and confidentiality of clients, co-workers and organization’s operationsComplies with organization’s policies to protect confidentiality, integrity, availability and security of all protected health informationOrganization’s security officialConducts him / herself in a safe manner by adhering to all safety practices, rules and standardsDemonstrates a commitment to quality and proactively seeks to make improvements to systems and processesReports to work on time, provides advance notice for time off, accurately reports time and attendance and appropriately manages paid time off (if applicable) in accordance with organization’s policyDemonstrates a commitment to integrity in work habits and use of organization’s resourcesPerforms duties as assigned that may be outside his / her principle responsibilitiesMeets own learning needs. Participates in educational programs of the organization, including completion of all mandatory competencies, education or trainingEffectively communicates to transfer information, provide guidance and resolve conflictsReports concerns and complaints regarding abuse, neglect and exploitation in accordance with Vermont State Law and the organizationEnhance or improve organization’s services by participating in team meetings, projects and committeesContributes to a positive work environment and responds in a constructive manner to changeDocuments the provision care and services in accordance to organization’s policy