RN

REGISTERED NURSE (RN) – VISITING NURSE

Job Description

Position Title: Registered Nurse (RN) – Visiting Nurse
Department: Nursing Services
Reports To: Director of Nursing / Clinical Supervisor
Employment Status: Full-Time / Part-Time / Per Diem
Work Setting: Client Homes and Community-Based Settings

POSITION SUMMARY

The Registered Nurse (RN) Visiting Nurse provides professional nursing services to clients in their homes and other approved community-based settings. The RN is responsible for assessing clients, implementing and following individualized plans of care and physician/provider orders, providing skilled nursing interventions, monitoring changes in condition, educating clients and caregivers, and coordinating care with the healthcare team.

The Visiting Nurse is expected to provide safe, compassionate, client-centered care while maintaining professional nursing standards and complying with applicable agency policies, regulations, and scope-of-practice requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Client Assessment and Care Planning

• Perform initial and ongoing nursing assessments as assigned.
• Assess the client's physical condition, functional abilities, nursing needs, safety risks, and response to treatment.
• Review physician/provider orders, discharge instructions, medication lists, referral information, and other relevant clinical records.
• Identify changes in the client's condition and communicate significant findings promptly.
• Participate in developing and updating the client's individualized plan of care.

2. Skilled Nursing Services

Provide skilled nursing care within the RN's scope of practice and competency, including, as ordered and applicable:

• Medication administration and medication management.
• Medication reconciliation and monitoring.
• Injections and other prescribed treatments.
• Wound assessment, wound care, and dressing changes.
• Ostomy care and education.
• Enteral feeding and feeding-tube care.
• Urinary catheter assessment and care.
• Blood glucose monitoring and diabetes management.
• PICC line and central-line care when appropriately trained and authorized.
• IV therapy and other infusion-related nursing services when ordered and within competency.
• Vital signs and health-status monitoring.
• Pain assessment and symptom monitoring.
• Other skilled nursing procedures ordered by an authorized healthcare provider and permitted by applicable law and agency policy.

3. Physician/Provider Orders

• Follow current physician or authorized healthcare provider orders.
• Verify that appropriate orders are available before providing ordered skilled procedures.
• Notify the Clinical Supervisor and appropriate healthcare provider when clarification or changes in orders are necessary.
• Do not independently perform services outside the RN's authorized scope, competency, or established plan of care.

4. Client and Caregiver Education

• Provide health education to clients, family members, and caregivers.
• Teach medication management, infection prevention, safety precautions, disease-management techniques, and prescribed nursing procedures as appropriate.
• Demonstrate procedures and evaluate the client's or caregiver's understanding and ability to perform them safely.
• Reinforce education during subsequent visits as necessary.

5. Care Coordination

• Communicate with physicians, healthcare providers, pharmacies, home health agencies, case managers/service coordinators, therapists, caregivers, and other members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
• Coordinate nursing services to promote continuity of care.
• Report significant changes in condition promptly to the appropriate provider and Clinical Supervisor.
• Participate in case conferences and interdisciplinary meetings when required.

6. Documentation

• Complete accurate, timely, and comprehensive nursing documentation for every visit.
• Document assessments, interventions, medications/treatments provided, client responses, education, communication, and changes in condition.
• Complete required incident reports and other clinical documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and applicable laws.

7. Safety and Infection Prevention

• Follow standard precautions and infection-control procedures.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain proper hand hygiene and safe disposal of sharps and medical waste.
• Identify and report environmental or safety concerns in the client's home.
• Follow emergency procedures and immediately report urgent or significant clinical concerns.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The RN Visiting Nurse is expected to:

• Maintain professional and respectful communication with clients, families, coworkers, and healthcare professionals.
• Arrive at scheduled visits on time and notify the agency promptly of any scheduling issues.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Wear required identification and appropriate professional attire.
• Protect client privacy and confidentiality.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.
• Participate in orientation, competency evaluations, in-service education, and required training.
• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, and credentials.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state where services are provided.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Current health screening and other employment clearances as required.
• Ability to perform nursing assessments and skilled nursing procedures safely.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in home and community-based environments.
• Home health, home care, community nursing, acute care, ICU, or other relevant clinical experience is preferred.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must have reliable transportation to travel to client locations.
• Must possess a valid driver's license when driving is required for the position.
• Must maintain automobile insurance as required by applicable law and agency policy.
• Must meet agency driving and Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) requirements when designated as a regular driver.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The RN must be able to perform the physical functions necessary to provide assigned nursing services, which may include:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Bending, reaching, and positioning during client care.
• Assisting with client care activities within established safety guidelines.
• Handling nursing supplies and equipment.
• Performing fine-motor tasks necessary for medication administration and skilled nursing procedures.

The RN should request assistance or appropriate equipment when a client-care activity cannot be performed safely by one person.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The RN Visiting Nurse must demonstrate:

• Clinical competency and sound nursing judgment.
• Accurate and timely documentation.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Effective communication.
• Respect for client rights, dignity, preferences, and cultural differences.
• Compliance with the client's plan of care and authorized provider orders.
• Appropriate reporting and escalation of changes in client condition.
• Commitment to client safety and quality nursing care.