Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. RESTORATIVE NURSING Restorative Nursing Policy Restorative nursing is ordered for patients with potential wasting of muscle tissue, potential skin breakdown, muscle weakness or whose physical condition does not permit active exercises and to provide activity for patient and prevent complications of extended bed rest. CRITERIA: Prior to Restorative Nursing being placed on the Plan of Treatment, following criteria must be met. 1. Restorative Nursing must be ordered by attending physician and said physician must have knowledge of what is entailed in Restorative Nursing. 2. Any exercises ordered besides Active and Passive range of motion may not be performed, Any extensive exercise program required for patient must be performed by a Physical Therapist (PT). If on patient referral or upon Registered Nurse (RN) assessment it is determined that extensive exercises are needed, a referral must then be made for physical therapy. If no Physical Therapist (PT) is available, then attending physician and patient / family must be made aware of an availability of Physical therapy services. This must be documented in the patients medical record. 3. Registered Nurse (RN) assessment must be done prior to initiation of restorative nursing with communication with physician taking place regarding findings of Registered Nurse (RN) assessment. 4. For those patients requiring the home health aide to assist the Registered Nurse (RN) / Physical Therapist (PT) by carrying out ROM exercises during the aide visit, the aide must be instructed first by the Registered Nurse (RN) I Physical Therapist (PT) prior to performing the exercises. On following supervisory aide visits, the Registered Nurse (RN) / Physical Therapist (PT) will ascertain if the aide is properly carrying out the instructions given. Restorative Nursing Consists of the Following: 1. Active and/or Passive range of motion to extremities, 2. Transfer and Gait training. 3. Instruct on skin care to Prevent tissue breakdown (skilled nurse only). 4. Assisting patient to dangle. 5. Assisting patient with ambulation as needed. Home Health Agency Policies A-121