Start of Care RN III - Home Health FT Days

The Start of Care registered nurse plans and organizes home health care services based on the OASIS assessment, history and physical and medication reconciliation, and the unique healthcare, communication, and learning needs of the patient and their caregiver and representatives. The Start of Care nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and arrange services to meet the needs of individuals and families within their homes and communities. Core Competencies Adheres to infection prevention guidelines

Adheres to policies, procedures, and standards of practice to deliver safe and optimal care

Assesses patient history, physiological, and psychosocial status

Communicates with the patient, family, medical staff and others during the continuum of care

Complies with Joint Commission’s national patient safety goals

Complies with organizational quality dashboard/benchmarking goals

Interprets common variables affecting patient care and follows reporting process

Maintains regulatory compliance consistent with quality standards and ethical obligations of the profession

Participates in activities in alignment with the Magnet Model

Participates in organizational activities

Participates in Peer Review

Participates in professional development activities

Performs as a preceptor in an active and engaged manner

Provides age-specific individualized care that supports protection from harm and complies with patient safety centered interventions/bundles

Provides patient and family education throughout the care of patient

Uses critical thinking to formulate and carry out a care plan according to patient needs

Utilizes resources in an economical manner

Utilizes safe administration of medications

Utilizes Safe Patient Handling

Department Specific Competencies Completes an initial assessment of patient and family/representative to determine home health care needs.

Conducts a complete physical assessment and history of current and previous illness(es).

Conducts an environmental assessment following The Joint Commission Standards to ensure the home is safe and appropriate for the delivery of care.

Completes the OASIS Assessment Tool and validates accuracy before submission to the Performance Improvement Coordinator.

Initiates the plan of care after discussion with the Primary Care Physician and Specialists managing the patient’s care.

Performs a comprehensive medication reconciliation with patient and family/representative and physicians involved in care