How to Become a Home Health Nurse
As the population of older adults continues to rise, an increasing number of seniors are seeking cost-effective healthcare solutions that promote their independence. By 2023, all baby boomers will have reached at least 65 years old, creating a significant demand that home health nurses can help address. Most home health services cater to elderly patients, although some nurses also provide assistance to children and individuals with mental health conditions. Home health nurses strive to offer tailored, high-quality care to meet the varied needs of their patients.
This article will cover:
- What is a home health nurse? - What are the responsibilities of a home health nurse? - Where do home health nurses work? - What types of home health nurses exist? - How does one become a home health nurse? - What qualifications are needed to become a home health nurse? - What traits define an effective home health nurse? - What are the salary expectations and job outlook for home health nurses?
What defines a home health nurse?
A home health nurse delivers care in the comfort of the patient’s home and works with individuals of all ages, including the elderly, disabled, or those facing terminal illnesses. They also assist patients recovering from accidents, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
What are the responsibilities of a home health nurse?
Generally, home health nurses provide follow-up care after patients are discharged from hospitals or other healthcare facilities. Specific responsibilities include:
- Visiting patients' homes to implement treatment plans as directed by physicians - Administering medications - Monitoring wounds, changing dressings, and addressing personal hygiene - Recording symptoms and vital signs - Revising treatment plans - Educating patients and their families about wellness practices - Identifying early symptoms that might necessitate hospital visits - Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create care plans for patients
The primary aim of a home health nurse is to meet the patient’s needs in a manner similar to that of a medical facility, with daily tasks reflecting the ongoing requirements of each patient.
Duties and qualifications
It's essential to understand that the specific duties of a home health nurse vary based on their qualifications. Here's a breakdown of potential responsibilities according to their credentials:
Nursing Assistant
Nursing assistants support patients with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and skincare. In the home health setting, their tasks may include:
- Recording vital signs - Reporting patient concerns to the supervising registered nurse - Assisting with mobility - Supporting daily living tasks
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) care for sick, injured, or disabled individuals under the supervision of physicians, mid-level practitioners, and registered nurses. In home health environments, LPNs might:
- Administer medications - Provide wound care and change dressings - Record vital signs - Report concerns to the supervising registered nurse - Assist with mobility - Aid in daily living activities
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) hold at least a nursing diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and have passed the NCLEX-RN exam. In home health settings, RNs may perform:
- Medication administration - Vital sign assessments - Physical assessments - Laboratory draws - Management of peripheral and central lines, tubes, and drains - Assisting with daily living and mobility - Collaborating with physicians to create patient care strategies
Where do home health nurses work?
As indicated by the title, home health nurses primarily provide care in patients' residences. Some may have a home base for record-keeping and administrative duties. Essentially, home health nurses bridge the gap between hospital care and long-term or independent living facilities. Equally important, these nurses are generally self-directed and must possess strong time management and communication skills to effectively engage with both patients and their families.
What types of home health nurses exist?
A variety of nursing professionals can deliver home healthcare services, including:
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
CNSs often have specialized expertise in particular medical fields and are regarded as knowledgeable across various areas of healthcare.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
CNAs support RNs and LPNs with daily tasks and respond to patients' immediate needs, like providing meals and assisting with personal hygiene.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
LVNs perform many tasks similar to those of RNs but must work under RN supervision and usually provide care in home health settings.
How does one become a home health nurse?
Step 1: Obtain a nursing degree
The first step toward becoming a home health nurse is to fulfill the educational requirements, which typically entails completing either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Graduates of associate programs generally complete their studies in two years at community colleges, while bachelor’s degree programs require two years of general education followed by two years of nursing courses. Bridge programs for ADN holders allow them to earn a BSN in less than four years.
Step 2: Obtain licensing
After earning a degree, graduates need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to gain licensure. Successful candidates can practice as registered nurses in their state.
Step 3: Acquire nursing experience
Following licensure, it is vital to gain experience as a registered nurse since most employers prefer candidates with a minimum of one year of nursing experience. Engaging in critical care settings like emergency or intensive care units can enhance competitiveness in the job market.
What additional requirements exist for becoming a home health nurse?
Licensing
Aspiring home health nurses can take several paths. While obtaining an LPN degree allows individuals to work in home health, many agencies prefer registered nurses with either associate or bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree emphasizes clinical care and nursing skills, while a four-year degree incorporates research, management, and leadership training alongside clinical training. Candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN and typically require at least two years of clinical experience. Those interested in leadership roles might pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and many RNs choose to follow the RN to MSN bridge program for further education.
Continuing education
Home health nurses often pursue ongoing education, as many states require a certain number of continuing education credits for license renewal. These programs help nurses stay informed about the latest developments in care and treatment, while also opening doors to new opportunities within the healthcare field.
What traits define an effective home health nurse?
To excel in their roles, home health nurses should possess certain skills, including:
Integrity
Given their access to vulnerable individuals, home health nurses must demonstrate care and respect to earn the trust of their patients and their families, ensuring those they serve feel secure.
Patience
Every nurse must exhibit patience, with home health nurses particularly needing to support patients who may struggle with basic tasks or be slower to engage due to age or condition.
Physical and emotional resilience
Home health nurses may need to assist patients with mobility frequently and must have strong emotional resilience to handle the emotional strains their patients may face, emphasizing the importance of self-care to manage stress effectively.
What salary expectations and job outlook exist for home health nurses?
A home health nurse’s salary is shaped by their qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified nursing assistants earn around $33,250 a year, while licensed practical nurses make approximately $51,850, and registered nurses earn about $82,750 annually. Some home healthcare nurses receive payment on a per-visit basis from insurers or government programs, often earning more for the initial visit compared to follow-ups.
Experts project significant job growth in the home health sector, with a predicted increase of over 36% by 2028, translating to over 300,000 new roles, particularly in states like Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah.
Next Steps
While being a home health nurse involves challenges, it can also be a rewarding career path. With a significant demand for their services, home health nurses often find fulfillment through the personalized care they deliver to patients at their homes. Home health nurses focus on enhancing patient independence and overall well-being, working diligently to enable patients to remain at home and minimize hospital visits for an improved quality of life.
Do home health nurses live in the patient’s home? No, home health nurses do not reside with their patients. They typically visit the patient’s home to provide care on a regular basis. How long does a home health visit typically last? Most visits are about an hour long. What qualifications do you need to become a home health nurse? To become a home health nurse, an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is necessary.
