Compassionate Home Healthcare Services

Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse (RN) is a licensed professional who is licensed in Massachusetts to deliver nursing care under the direction of the Physician. They are qualified to perform nursing assessments, implement nursing interventions and perform nursing tasks per the order of the physician. The RN working in the home care setting will not only administer nursing care but will perform other tasks related to maintaining your personal comfort and a clean, safe environment.

Below are some of the specific job responsibilities of a Registered Nurse (RN):

A. Assists with or performs personal care for the patient including:

Oral hygiene
Bathing activities including shower, partial or bed bath
Toileting activities including incontinence care as well as the use of the urinal, bedpan, and commode
Personal grooming activities including shampooing, skin care, shaving, perineal care
Dressing activities

B. Perform patient care including:

Passive and/or active range-of-motion exercise
Transfers
Turning and positioning patients
Monitoring patient’s vital signs
Ostomy care
Measuring patient’s weight
Measuring intake and output
Cleaning equipment used by the patient
Keeping daily records of patient activities and observations
Submitting weekly records to the Registered Nurse Supervisor and appropriate personnel on patient’s condition

C. Provide household services in order to maintain a safe, clean environment including:

Personal laundry of the patient
Making and changing the patient’s bed daily
Dusting and vacuuming the rooms used by the patient
Dishwashing the patient’s utensils
Tidying and wet mopping the kitchen and bathroom to ensure a clean and sanitary area
Disposing of the patient’s garbage at the end of each shift
Tidying the patient’s bedroom
Shopping for the patient if no other arrangement is possible

D. Prepare and assist with the dietary requirements of the patient including:

Preparation of the prescribed diet for the patient
Assisting with patient feeding when necessary
Providing between meal nourishment
Assisting with menu planning and grocery shopping

E. Assist the patient in maintaining their daily activities and quality of life style including:

Socializing with family and friends
Accompany the patient to medical appointments, social activities and outings as tolerated by the patient

D. Nursing skills including:

Assesses the client’s medical condition and implements nursing measures or physician orders to promote the comfort and well-being of the client
Administering medications, including injections
Performing finger sticks and administering insulin
Wound care
Tracheostomy Care
Foley catheter insertion/Straight catheterization
Client/Family teaching related to diagnosis in accordance with maintaining the highest possible quality of life