Home care nurses provide medical and personal care to individuals who are chronically ill, disabled or suffering from cognitive impairments. They typically work for senior citizens who want to remain at home but need assistance with dressing, bathing and housework. Home care nurses administer medication, monitor vital signs and educate patients on health care. They are registered nurses, but some agencies allow licensed practical nurses to work for in-home patients.
Observation, Assessment and Treatment
Home care nurses observe and assess the health of their clients. They monitor vitals and reactions to medications and look for changes in behavior and condition. Home care nurses report directly to the client’s physician and family, especially regarding concerns for new medical conditions or worsening health. Some nurses have specialties that allow them to administer treatments, such as therapeutic rehabilitation.
The purpose of in-home nursing care is to provide an individual with independence while still remaining under supervised care. Elderly and disabled individuals are able to remain in the comfort and security of their own homes under the care of an in-home nurse. The nurse is responsible for the medical and emotional well-being of her patients. According to the Joint Commission, homebound patients are prone to depression and feelings of isolation, but home care nurses counteract these emotional pitfalls by providing companionship. They carry on conversations and get to know their patients and connect with them on a more personal level.
Home care nurses are licensed and certified; therefore, they can administer medication to patients, including intravenous medications. Nurses are not able to prescribe medications to their patients, though they can alter a patient’s dosage with a physician’s approval.
Home care nurses provide assistance with simple tasks such as bathing, grooming and eating. Some agencies require home care nurses to provide light housekeeping, do laundry and prepare meals for their clients, as well as provide emotional, medical and physical support. Home care nurses are often required to assist patients with toileting, getting in and out of bed and transporting them to and from the house.
Education and Requirements
Home care nurses go through one of three different accredited programs to be licensed and certified: a diploma program, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. After completing school, a home care nurse needs to pass a state nursing board exam to receive her license. Most states require licensed nurses to complete their continuing education and training to maintain their license on an annual or bi-annual basis. After passing the nursing license exam, home care nurses need to pass the Home Health Care Nurse certification through an American Nurses Credentialing Center before they are allowed to work as home care nurses.
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