How to become A Home Health Nurse

Patients, especially those with serious health issues, prefer the company of family and friends in the comfort of their own home to a prolonged stay in a nursing home or hospital. No wonder that Home Health Nurses who are personally committed to providing outstanding patient care are also known as “angels in comfortable shoes.”

• Home Care Nurse
• Home Health Registered Nurse

What do Home Health Nurses do?

A Home Health Nurse would typically need to:

• Visit a patient’s residence to administer treatment as per the instructions of the physician-in-charge, monitor the patient’s physical and emotional well-being and execute or recommend appropriate changes in the treatment plan
• Gain the trust and confidence of the patient; administer medication and injections; complete routine blood pressure, glucose, urine and stool tests, if necessary
• Prepare patients for operations, inspect and treat wounds, if required; set up drips and blood transfusions
• Conduct routine investigations; check for muscle weakness, bedsores and any signs of infection; respond quickly to emergencies
• Monitor patient recovery and compile reports for the physician-in-charge; collaborate with other healthcare professionals to formulate better healthcare plans for the patient
• Hear and respond positively to the concerns of the patients and family members; educate caregivers and family members on patient care
• Offer recommendations for improved healthcare to physicians and family members of the patient
• Maintain strict protocol regarding patient consent and confidentiality
• Keep track of the latest healthcare practices; attend appropriate workshops and lectures

As their title suggests, Home Health Nurses offer professional nursing care to patients in the home setting.

Home Health Nurses typically find work via an agency that allows them to set their work schedules as long as they discharge their duties properly. This arrangement makes for a flexible timetable built around personal commitments and plans.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Home Health Nurses can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Home Health Nurses are generally employed by: 

• Home Health Agencies
• Hospitals 
• Hospices
• Community Health Centres
• Residential Homes
• Retirement Communities
• Insurance Companies
• Outpatient Care Centres

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Home Care Nurses Organization, are crucial for Home Health Nurses interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Spending a considerable amount of time walking, bending, stretching, standing, and lifting can be stressful on the body
• Close contact with infectious diseases and potentially dangerous drugs; having to follow strict guidelines for personal and community safety
• Travelling daily from one location to another throughout the workday 
• Treating patients with disagreeable family members 
• Isolation from clinical colleagues
• High probability of lack of resources during an emergency
• Emotional attachment to patients resulting in feelings of loss and helplessness in case the patient’s condition worsens

Any academic program that a potential Home Health Nurse takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it.

You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Most home healthcare agencies prefer candidates who have gained experience as registered nurses (RNs) for at least two years in a medical-surgical setting after earning their BSN degrees.

Nevertheless, clinical experience as a professional nurse in the healthcare or social care domains can be an enlightening endeavour for all prospective Home Health Nurses regardless of their academic qualifications.

It can help them understand the demanding nature of the role while equipping them with critical care skills that endear them to potential employers.

Volunteer or internship opportunities at a shelter, community centre, hospice or nursing home are relevant work experience options. Any experience as a home healthcare aide would also prove advantageous.

Read about nursing and interview/job shadow experts in nursing to learn more about the job and its inherent responsibilities and challenges.

There are diverse educational pathways that a prospective Home Health Nurse could choose to qualify for nursing.

Most employers accept applications from licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) with accredited one-year diplomas or certificates from community colleges and technical schools.

However, a more advanced but still accredited two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), a diploma from an approved nursing program or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will set you directly on the path to seamless career progression.

Home Health Nurses who want to work with adults may need to complete a pre-registration adult nursing program approved by their local nursing and midwifery council.

Focus on math, English and science in high school.   

While certification is not required to practice as a Home Health Nurse, voluntary certification in specific areas can show a candidates tenacity for self-improvement and commitment to the field. 

Therefore, certification in speciality areas such as ambulatory care, pediatric nursing, gerontology, infusion nursing, psychiatric nursing and adult/pediatric critical care can give you a competitive edge against other candidates. Voluntary certification improves your chances of employment as well as aid your career progression.

Regardless of the academic program they pursue, all Home Health Nurses must acquire a relevant license from their national licensing authority. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and appropriate education and experience. 

Most employers would expect you to have a driver’s license, enabling you to easily travel to clients’ homes. Furthermore, registered nurses may be required to obtain certification in basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

Some locations require Home Health Nurses to register with their local nursing and midwifery councils.

With experience, the acquisition of professional qualifications, and a good work record, Home Health Nurses can choose various pathways for career progression.

They can work in a hospital setting and go into more managerial roles or take up supervisory or administrative positions in the agency that employs them. Lucrative work opportunities also abound in the education sector, including training other nurses or teaching courses on nursing. 

Home Health Nurses can also go into adult nursing care and specialise in ambulatory care, cancer care, accident and emergency care, occupational health, intensive care, sexual health care and pediatric care. Such specialisms can lead to a more extensive clientele or higher pay, especially if the specialisation is in demand.

Home Health Nurses with postgraduate or doctorate degrees can become Clinical Specialists or Home Health Care Nurse Practitioners.

Home Health Nurses with a BSN and significant work experience as an RN have the best job prospects. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces new learning objectives, methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Attending conferences, workshops, short courses, and training programmes are all worthwhile CPD activities. Topics for CPD include but are not limited to leadership strategies, financial management, advanced clinical skills, legislative concerns and different forms of therapy.

Home Health Nurses can also specialise in cancer care, accident and emergency care, gerontology and pediatric care or complete a master’s/doctoral program in the field.

Alternate Career Pathways

Your transferable skills can be put to good use if you choose to work in careers other than the traditional ones. 

Consider working in and with emergency helplines, schools and universities, health promotion agencies, holiday companies, overseas aid development agencies, specialist hospices, the armed forces, prisons and private healthcare agencies.

Specialisation 

Based on their personal preference, Home Health Nurses may work with one patient on a long-term, full-time basis or visit multiple patients each day. 

You may specialise in one area or include diverse specialities such as gerontology, paediatrics, community health, psychiatric health and surgical care in their tool kit.

A Win-Win

Home Health Nurses often tend to create more meaningful and deeper relationships with their patients since they have an insight into their personal lives. Furthermore, Home Health Nurses usually benefit from working one-on-one with patients, allowing them to cater fully to a patient’s needs. 

In turn, Home Health Nurses receive greater satisfaction from their jobs because they can make sure that they have fully helped their patients. 

Home Health vs In-Home Care

Though they sound similar, home health care and in-home care are two different jobs. Home health specialists are licensed and registered medical professionals who help patients recover at their homes with injuries, surgery, or illnesses. Home health care workers provide all the services that can be found in hospitals. 

On the other hand, in-home care workers offer personal companionship on an hourly basis to seniors and other individuals who cannot be left alone for long periods or are unable to take care of their daily routine on their own. In-home care may or may not be considered medical in scope. 

Working Alongside Professionals

Depending on the patients’ needs and medical history, Home Health Nurses may have to work alongside social workers, psychologists, counsellors, physicians, and hospices. In some cases, you may have to supervise a home health aide who will be assisting the patient in your absence. 

Across The Board

There is a misconception that Home Health Nurses cater to the needs of only senior citizens. 

The reality is that these professionals also assist new mothers and infants, people with chronic illnesses, patients with injuries, and adults and children with disabilities. 

They also help patients recover from wounds, help patients with their medication, and educate family members on patient care. The possibilities are endless. 

Rapid Growth

Home health care is increasing. As the population ages in many countries, demand for home health care rises. An increasing number of patients want to lead independent lives in the comfort of their homes instead of being confined in hospitals. 

Nurses are generally delighted with their jobs. In a 2018 survey, most nurses recorded job satisfaction ranging from 94% to 98%.

As a Home Health Nurse, you will face unique challenges that do not cross the path of your peers in clinical settings. You will create more meaningful relationships with your patients by the same count - you will inspire and be inspired by them. 

While it is vital to get to know your patients personally, you must also discuss certain boundaries with them, such as discussing which parts of the house you are allowed in. Understanding and listening to your patients’ expectations can help them feel more relaxed around you and enables you to let patients know your professional expectations as well.