Job Description - Step 1 of 12
Job Description: Private Duty Nurse
Responsibilities
The PHC Private Duty Nursing (PDN) Staff provide the frontline services to PHC’s patient population. They deliver and document effective and efficient care. They also serve in the most fundamental role of establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with PHC leadership, staff, patients and families. Key activities may include:
Essential Job Functions:
The PHC Private Duty Nurse divides time across clinical and administrative responsibilities. The allocation of time and effort will vary by patient and includes:
Job Qualifications:
Environmental and Working Conditions
Works the majority of time in the patient’s home with occasional shifts outside the home supporting family outings and hospital or clinic visits. Noise level may be moderately high, ability to work a flexible schedule and extended hours. Ability to travel locally and some exposure to inclement weather.
Physical and Mental Effort
Prolonged sitting and some standing required. Occasional need to lift, pull, carry and push items weighing up to fifty pounds. Frequent need to stoop, kneel and reach while providing patient care. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and address employer and employee needs. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Requires excellent interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Shift / Schedule
Shifts and schedules vary and are determined on an individual basis. Typical shifts are 12 hour day and/or 12 hour night shifts.
Job Description Acknowledgement
I have received, reviewed and fully understand the PDN job description. I further understand that I am responsible for carrying out the listed responsibilities and successfully executing the essential functions under the conditions as described.
Acknowledgement of Receipt of Employee Handbook - Step 2 of 12
The Employee Handbook contains important information about Pediatric Health Care Connection, to be herby reffered to as “PHC” and I understand that I should consult the Office Administrator regarding any questions not answered in the handbook. I have entered into my employment relationship with PHC voluntarily, and understand that there is no specified length of employment. Accordingly, either PHC or I can terminate the relationship at will, at any time, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice. I understand and agree that no person other than the Executive Director/President/Chief Executive Officer [designate one] may enter into an employment agreement for any specified period of time, or make any agreement contrary to PHC's stated employment policy. Since the information, policies, and benefits described herein are subject to change at any time, I acknowledge that revisions to the handbook may occur, except to PHC's policy of employment-at-will. All such changes will generally be communicated through official notices, and I understand that revised information may supersede, modify, or eliminate existing policies. Only the President of PHC has the ability to adopt any revisions to the policies in this handbook. Furthermore, I understand that this handbook is neither a contract of employment nor a legally-binding agreement. I have had an opportunity to read the handbook, and I understand that I may ask my supervisor or any employee of the Human Resources Department any questions I might have concerning the handbook. I accept the terms of the handbook. I also understand that it is my responsibility to comply with the policies contained in this handbook, and any revisions made to it. I further agree that if I remain with PHC following any modifications to the handbook, I thereby accept and agree to such changes. I have received a copy of PHC's Employee Handbook on the date listed below. I understand that I am expected to read the entire handbook. Additionally, I will sign the two copies of this Acknowledgment of Receipt, retain one copy for myself, and return one copy to PHC's representative listed below on the date specified. I understand that this form will be retained in my personnel file.
Consent to Drug / Alcohol Testing - Step 3 of 12
I hereby agree, upon a request made under the drug/alcohol testing policy of Pediatric Healthcare Connection Inc., herby after to be referred to as PHC to submit to a drug or alcohol test and to furnish a sample of my urine, breath, and/or blood for analysis. I understand and agree that if I at any time refuse to submit to a drug or alcohol test under PHC policy, or if I otherwise fail to cooperate with the testing procedures, I will be subject to immediate termination. I further authorize and give full permission to have PHC and/or its company physician send the specimen or specimens so collected to a laboratory for a screening test for the presence of any prohibited substances under the policy, and for the laboratory or other testing facility to release any and all documentation relating to such test to PHC and/or to any governmental entity involved in a legal proceeding or investigation connected with the test. Finally, I authorize PHC to disclose any documentation relating to such test to any governmental entity involved in a legal proceeding or investigation connected with the test. I understand that only duly-authorized PHC officers, employees, and agents will have access to information furnished or obtained in connection with the test; that they will maintain and protect the confidentiality of such information to the greatest extent possible; and that they will share such information only to the extent necessary to make employment decisions and to respond to inquiries or notices from government entities. I will hold harmless PHC, its company physician, and any testing laboratory PHC might use, meaning that I will not sue or hold responsible such parties for any alleged harm to me that might result from such testing, including loss of employment or any other kind of adverse job action that might arise as a result of the drug or alcohol test, even if a PHC or laboratory representative makes an error in the administration or analysis of the test or the reporting of the results. I will further hold harmless PHC, its company physician, and any testing laboratory PHC might use for any alleged harm to me that might result from the release or use of information or documentation relating to the drug or alcohol test, as long as the release or use of the information is within the scope of this policy and the procedures as explained in the paragraph above. This policy and authorization have been explained to me in a language I understand, and I have been told that if I have any questions about the test or the policy, they will be answered. I understand that the PHC will require a drug screen and/or alcohol test under this policy whenever I am involved in an on-the-job accident or injury under circumstances that suggest possible involvement or influence of drugs or alcohol in the accident or injury event, and I agree to submit to any such test.
Communicable Disease Policy - Step 4 of 12
PHC requires personnel to use all preventive measures to insure protection of clients, community, and staff from public health hazards. Personnel who become aware of having contact with a client whose diagnosis appears on the state’s list of communicable and acute diseases should immediately report this fact to the appropriate reporting to Public Health Officials. When our employee has been exposed to a diagnosed communicable disease that represents a threat to the health of our personnel and others, the Human Resources staff of PHC will initiates appropriate precautionary disease control measures. The staff members are directed to their own family. The hospital/facilities that have utilized this staff member will be contacted for appropriate follow-up measures. When communicable disease endangers the well being of our employees or other members of the community, PHC uses primary precautions specific to the disease. Employees with apparent clinical symptoms or signs of communicable disease or infected skin lesions are not permitted to work unless authorized to do so by a physician or physician’s assistant. The PHC office has a list of communicable and acute diseases that have been issued by the Bureau of Community Health and Disease Prevention as Reportable Communicable Diseases. I have read and understand the above stated policy and agree to comply with guidelines.
Hepatitis B Vaccination - Step 5 of 12
Due to your occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials, you may be at risk for acquiring hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. The vaccination series is available, at no cost, to you. Please indicate below your declination or acceptance to receive the vaccine. Hepatitis B is a blood borne virus which can cause a range of symptoms from mild to serious, and possibly result in fatal liver damage to health care workers who become infected. The virus can be transmitted through contact with infectious fluids of a patient who has hepatitis B virus. You have been taught the concepts of Universal Precautions concerning safe patient care and the use of equipment to avoid unnecessary exposure. Synthetic hepatitis B vaccine is derived from yeast cells. It is not composed of human blood or plasma. It is given as a series of three injections into the arm muscle at prescribed intervals (initial shot, one month later, and six months later). It has proven to be over 80-90% effective in protecting against the disease. There may be hypersensitivity to the vaccine, and there may be soreness and swelling of the injection arm. Other side effects may occur at an incidence of under 3% of injections. The vaccine will not be given to persons with known sensitivity to aluminum hydroxide, thimerosal, yeast or hepatitis antigen and will only be given with your personal physician’s recommendations in the cases of pregnancy or presence of other infection of immunosuppressive state. The vaccine does not grant 100% assurance of immunity.
Emergency Disaster Receipt / Acknowledgement - Step 6 of 12
I hereby confirm that I have read Pediatric Healthcare Connection’s or PHC Emergency Disaster Plan and that it describes the content and behavior expected of me as an employee of Pediatric Healthcare Connection. I also acknowledge that Tanya Howell is PHC’s Disaster Coordinator and that Steve Willingham is PHC’s Alternate Disaster Coordinator. They can both be reached at the numbers provided below: Tanya Howell: Cell Phone: (512) 660-0207 Steve Willingham: Cell Phone: (512) 660-0508
Confidentiality of Patient Information - Step 7 of 12
I plan to utilize electronic documentation of patient care. I will ensure confidentiality and security of patient information by password protecting the device or program utilized. I agree to change the password at least quarterly or following a breach of security. I will not provide my password to anyone. I have been informed of the Agency’s Confidentiality Policy and Safeguarding of Medical Records Policy and I agree to abide by these policies.
ANE - Step 8 of 12
I acknowledge my responsibility as an employee to report abuse, neglect and exploitation. I understand that I should report any incident that I suspect may be abuse, neglect or exploitation even if I am not sure. I realize I may be criminally liable for failing to report abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Texas Abuse/Neglect Hotline: (800) 252–5400 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Texas Health and Human Services: (800) 458-9858
Inservices Agreement - Step 9 of 12
At Pediatric Healthcare Connection patient safety and well-being is our highest priority. We are constantly looking into helping our employees find ways to be their best when working 1 on 1 with patients. Night nursing is a topic that we will focus on in this in-service.
Although the duties and responsibilities are no different for a nurse that works the night shift, nurses must find ways to manage their workload in between the continuous monitoring of patients throughout the night. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay awake and alert through the night.
When a nurse falls asleep during their designated shift, they are putting their patient at risk. Therefore if a nurse should fall asleep or appear to be sleeping on the job, the following consequences could result following an investigation:
Please reach out to your PHC Account Manager/Supervising Nurse if you need further coaching to ensure success. By signing below you state that you have read the in-service above and understand the consequences should you fall asleep while working with a patient in the home for PHC.
OSHA Employment Agreement - Step 10 of 12
I have read and understand my job description and the policies set forth by Pediatric Healthcare Connection (PHC) and I agree to abide by them. In addition, I have been advised of the “Right to Know” Law and have been instructed by my employer in the use and safest way to handle the chemical substance, which I use in my work. I understand it is my responsibility to take safety precautions when necessary. Furthermore, I have received an inservice on Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions, from PHC. I am capable of following said Precautions as established by C.D.C. I have also been informed of the H.R.S. Guidelines pertaining to blood and body fluids.
Authorization for Direct Deposit - Step 11 of 12
I authorize Pediatric Healthcare Connection (PHC) to deposit my pay automatically to the account(s) indicated below and, if necessary, to adjust or reverse a deposit for any payroll entry made to my account in error. This authorization will remain in effect until I cancel it in writing and in such time as to afford PHC a reasonable opportunity to act on it.
Sign and Date - Step 13 of 12
Please sign and date below. If a PHC representative is not present you may click "Save/Omit" below the signature field.
New Hire Packet Completed!
Thank you! All PHC New Hire forms have been submitted. Please click the button below to take your ID badge photo. Welcome to team PHC!