Home Health Nurse Ideas

As a licensed nurse, home health care is an alternative to regular employment in an hospital or medical office. Working as a nurse in a private home offers a flexible schedule. Home-bound patients have varying needs from ongoing to short-term care resulting from an accident or surgery. A caring and competent nurse will not only provide for the patient's well being, but often help speed up recovery.

Function

• The function of the nurse is to take charge of the patient at home and follow doctor's orders for medications, injections and therapy. The nurse will often prepare simple meals, take care of necessary daily hygiene and keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Companionship and creating a warm and caring atmosphere is also part of the agenda for home health nurses.

Benefts

• The benefit of having a nurse in the home allows patients to enjoy the familiarity of their own surroundings, instead of a nursing home or rehab facility. Very often the cared-one might need special equipment and round-the-clock care in the home. Home-cooked meals is another perk of having a home health nurse present. Many nurses enjoy working with one patient at a time and giving full attention and care.

Secondary Functions

• Some home health nurses take on added responsibilities such as taking care of repair issues, shopping and preparing meals and even bill paying. Light housekeeping and laundry may also be required. Screening phone calls and dealing with family issues could also be part of the nurse's responsibilities. Very often, the nurse may be the only connection between the patient and the outside world.

Qualifications

• Licensed nurses are qualified for most home health care patients, but registered nurses often command higher salaries than licensed practical nurses because of their higher education and qualifications. RNs may be required for the job if the patient has special needs that only RNs are qualified for. LPNs are generally qualified to handle many medical responsibilities, including dispensing medicine, giving injections and making specific medical decisions under the guidance of the attending physician.

Alternatives

• If you don't have the time or money to go to school to get a degree in nursing, become a certified nursing assistant. The course varies in length from three weeks to one semester of college. You will be trained to take vital signs, take care of hygiene matters and keep records of the patient's progress. You can work in the homes of people who need assistance with daily functions such as bathing, cooking meals, transportation, companionship and supervising of daily medications.