Valley Health System - Winchester, VA
posted 2 months ago
The home health nurse provides direct patient care in the patient's home environment as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes Registered Nurses (RNs), Physical Therapists (PTs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), speech therapists, social workers, and home health technicians. The primary responsibility of the nurse is to assess patients and follow an individualized plan of care that best meets the patient's needs, as established by the RN. This role involves providing direct, one-on-one patient care and communicating any changes in the patient's status to the RN Case Manager. The home health agency relies heavily on technology, with email being a primary means of communication. The nurse will utilize a laptop to complete documentation in an electronic health record system. The patient population served by the home health nurse varies widely across different spectrums of acuity, age, and diagnosis, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for care. The nurse works under the direction of a clinical team manager and will undergo a 6-10 week orientation with a seasoned preceptor to ensure they are well-prepared to treat patients independently. Additional job duties include identifying performance improvement opportunities, reviewing and developing policies and procedures, and engaging in research activities. Working in home health offers endless variety in settings, scenery, and clinical challenges, allowing the nurse to enter and work within the real-life environments of patients, thereby bringing meaningful change to their daily lives. The position requires a positive attitude, professionalism, and the ability to remain productive under stress, demonstrating VALUES behavior in all interactions.