What does a Home Health Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
A home health nurse is a registered nurse who provides nursing care to patients in their homes. Home health nurses work with patients to promote, maintain, and restore health. They also work with families and caregivers to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Home Health Nurse job duties include:
- Assessing and planning nursing care requirements
- Providing pre- and post-operative care
- Monitoring and administering medication and intravenous therapy
- Assisting with patient rehabilitation
- Wound care
- Patient education
- Discharge planning
- Coordinating care with other health care professionals
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families
Home Health Nurse Job Requirements
There are a few requirements for the job of home health nurse. Firstly, one must have a nursing degree from an accredited school. Secondly, certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is required. Finally, experience in providing care to patients in a home setting is necessary.
Home Health Nurse Skills
- Assessing patients
- Creating care plans
- Providing treatments
- Monitoring patients
- Communicating with patients and families
- Educating patients and families
- Coordinating care with other professionals
- Documenting patient care
- Managing medication schedules
- Observing changes in patients
- Providing emotional support
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How to become a Home Health Nurse
A Home Health Nurse is a registered nurse who provides care to patients in their homes. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Home Health Nurses provide a variety of services, including wound care, IV therapy, and health education.
To become a Home Health Nurse, you must first complete an accredited nursing program. Once you have obtained your RN license, you can then apply for a position with a Home Health agency. Some agencies may require you to have experience working in a hospital or other healthcare setting before they will hire you. Other agencies may offer training programs for new nurses.
Once you are hired by a Home Health agency, you will be required to complete a period of orientation. During this time, you will learn about the policies and procedures of the agency, as well as how to provide care to patients in their homes. You will also be paired with an experienced Home Health Nurse who can serve as your mentor.
After completing orientation, you will be able to begin seeing patients in their homes. You will need to maintain accurate records of your patient visits and document any changes in their condition. It is important to build good relationships with your patients and their families, as they will be relying on you for their care.
As a Home Health Nurse, you will play an important role in keeping your patients healthy and comfortable in their own homes.
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