Hire Home Care Nurses
Home care nurses are licensed nursing professionals who care for patients in their homes. These nurses typically assist patients with follow-up treatments post-discharge from a hospital or other medical care facilities. Many home care nurses work for private practices, agencies, or hospice organizations that assign them to patients who need in-home care. These nurses play a vital role in the patient's care continuum that complies with care regimens to ensure better outcomes. Given the critical nature of the job role, these professionals are paid well with entry-level nurses earning $42,482 per year and more experienced workers making up to $94,322 per year. There are ample career advancement opportunities available for nurses who want to build a career in this role.
Home Care Nurse responsibilities
To attract the best pool of candidates, the hiring managers should break down the duties and responsibilities involved in the job. A home care nurse is assigned a range of tasks largely linked to their qualifications and the type of care the credentials allow them to provide. They primarily deal with the evaluation of the patient's health and create custom treatment plans to address any acute and chronic conditions. They monitor vital signs, document symptoms, and update patient health records as and when needed. These nurses are in charge of administering medication, treating external wounds, and helping the patients manage pain. They are responsible for tracking the patient's condition, identifying early warning signs, and adjusting the care accordingly to ensure a quick recovery. They also assist with the daily mobility and grooming activities of patients entrusted in their care. The nurses keep an open line of communication with the health care team, including: physicians, nurses, social workers to avoid any serious conditions or the need for hospital care. Most importantly, they educate patients, family members, and caregivers and assist with the transition to providing effective home care.
Home Care Nurse qualifications and skills required
In order to succeed in their career as a home care nurse, caregivers must have relevant qualifications and experience. They must have completed the Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs. The applicant should have a recognized license, accredited and approved by the state. Some hiring managers prefer candidates with specialized credentials, like CPR certifications that help with emergency care. Most employers require the candidates to have a driver’s license so the nurses can transport themselves to the patients' homes reliably. Since they are often required to interact with the patient's families in the course of care, the applicant's communication skills should match their clinical proficiency. They should be ethical and should be open to treating patients of varied cultures and lifestyles. Since the role is not facility-based, home care nurses are usually self-directed and practice efficient time management.
