Are you looking for a career that enables you to work in healthcare, helping patients in a variety of ways from the comfort of their homes? If so, a role as a home health nurse could be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about being a home health nurse, from what the position entails to the steps you need to take to become one.
What is a Home Health Nurse?
A home health nurse provides medical care to patients in their homes, offering services such as wound care, medication administration, and monitoring of vital signs. Home health nurses assess patients’ health conditions, create care plans, and educate both patients and their families on managing illnesses or injuries. Home health nurses also collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive care. Home health nurses often work with patients who are elderly, disabled, or chronically ill, with the primary goal of helping patients recover and maintain their health in a comfortable, familiar environment.
Home Health Nurse Duties
While home health nurse responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of each patient, some common home health nurse duties include:
- Providing and administering medications
- Dressing wounds
- Teaching patients and their families about providing a safe environment
- Developing personal care plans for patients based on analysis of their specific needs
How to Become a Home Health Nurse
To become a home health nurse, candidates must first meet the same criteria required to become either a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner. The criteria for RNs include:
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program
- A nursing license from passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Proper state licensure and requisite experience
Nurse practitioners must meet the following criteria:
- Graduate degree from an accredited program
- National certification through one of the five national certification boards
- State licensure
How Much Does a Home Health Nurse Make?
Salaries for home health nurses can vary depending on several factors, including location, experience, and education level. The average salary for a home health nurse in the United States is between $50,000 and $80,000. Some home health nurses may earn more, especially those with specialized skills or advanced degrees.
If a position as a home health nurse sounds like something you think you’d be interested in exploring, check out our home health nurse jobs page to get a better understanding of the opportunities available in your area.