What Is Home Health Nursing and How Can You Become a Home Health Nurse?
Home health nursing is a nursing specialty in which LVN or RN nurses provide comprehensive, one-on-one treatment to patients in their own homes instead of at a medical facility. They specifically treat the elderly, critically ill, disabled or those recovering from surgery, injuries or an accident. If you want a medical career where you get to provide personalized care to a few select patients in a more intimate environment, then becoming a home health nurse may be a great choice for you. To be a home health nurse, you need to be proficient in nursing assessments, wound care, medication management, therapeutic guidance and other clinical skills. You also must be able to make quick decisions and adapt to changing situations, especially since you won’t be working in close proximity to any colleagues. These are essential to ensure you provide safe and effective care while operating outside of the hospital or other typical medical settings. Excellent communication skills are also crucial. Home health nurses need to clearly explain treatment plans and build trust with patients and their families, showing understanding and compensation so they know you’ll be with them every step of the way. Yes, home health nurses can pursue advanced practice roles, such as becoming a clinical nurse specialist or a nurse practitioner, with further education and certification. The .
