Assessment Nurse (Prn Lpn)

Place of Employment: Client homes and other work sites as required by AnswerCare management.

Job Summary: Accountable to AnswerCare's Director, the Homecare Assessment Nurse will mostly work independently of co-workers or supervisors and therefore must balance good judgement and initiative while following company policies. The professional nurse builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individuals and families within their homes and communities.

The nurse will be conducting regular visits in the client’s homes. Attention to detail and remaining calm under pressure is a necessity as our industry can be quite unpredictable. The Assessment Nurse is usually the first face the client will meet. Therefore, it is essential that the nurse represent our company well; first impressions are very important! The Assessment Nurse can be either a Licensed Practical Nurse or a Registered Nurse. The LPN functions under the supervision of the RN supervisor. Ongoing and accurate assessments is a vital part of the job.

Work Hours: This position may require various appointments at various times. Being flexible with the client’s availability is crucial.

Position Qualifications:

• Current certificate in standard first aid and CPR.
• Current LPN license in this state
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• No previous criminal history
• Must have State ID
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Current listing on Nurse Registry

Duties:

• Contacting the client and setting up a date and time to do conduct a visit.
• During the first meeting with the client, the nurse will introduce herself and provide material about their new home health agency. This includes a welcoming note from the founder, information about AnswerCare employees, contact information, Client Rights, Company Rights, Definition of Services and Duties, Client’s Agreement, Payment Information, HIPPA notice, and agreement signatures.
• The Site Assessment is done during the initial contact and whenever there is a change in address. It includes obtaining personal information, condition of the home, and other safety features.
• During the initial assessment, the nurse gathers more information about the client’s current and past medical history, mental and behavior conditions, daily routines, habits, and preferences. Compiling all that information to come up with a care plan to meet the client’s needs.
• Makes necessary revisions to the plan of care as patient status and needs change.
• Maintains open lines of communication between nursing shifts, schedulers, supervisors, families of clients, and case managers.
• Conducting an assessment every 60 days in combination with a Satisfaction Survey.
• During the scheduled visits, record their vital signs and see if there are any significant changes or modifications to the care plan. Notify your supervisor. Client’s case manager will be notified accordingly.
• Conducting an assessment for a change in condition. Notify supervisor with changes.
• Being available to do unplanned assessments in case of emergencies or as requested by the client or the case manager.
• During the assessments, monitor client’s condition & status. Try to detect any changes that indicate improvement or deterioration in their condition. Notify supervisor.
• Observation and supervision of caregivers to assure they are following the care plan.
• Advocate and act on client’s behalf to assure individual rights are met.
• Maintain client confidentiality. Respect their choices and beliefs.
• Ensure that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.
• Other job tasks as needed.

Communication:

• Communicating relevant information to the proper people to assist in increasing the effectiveness of the care plan.
• Effective communication: verbal and written.
• Prepares clinical notes and updates the RN when necessary and at least every 60 days.
• Communicates with the RN regarding the patient’s needs and reports any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Communicates with Case Managers to coordinate the care plan as needed.

Important Qualities to adopt:

• Be on time to your visits. Call ahead with any delays and changes.
• Present yourself appropriately by looking neat, groomed, and dressed suitably. Wear your AnswerCare name badge during all visits.
• Encourage the client and family to ask questions. Help client explore ideas and ways to improve their living situation.
• Be open, kind, and empathetic.
• Be courteous and attentive. Use small talk.