A Day in the Life of a Home Health Nurse
Home health nurses play an essential role in the healthcare system, providing vital care to patients wherever they call home. These dedicated professionals wear many hats, often serving as caregivers, case managers and educators. They ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care outside traditional healthcare settings, adapting to diverse environments and overcoming numerous challenges.
Through a detailed Q&A, we gain insights into the daily life of a home health nurse, the support provided by HealthCare Support (HCS) and the difference these healthcare heroes make in the lives of their patients.
Q&A with a Home Health Nurse
Q: How long have you worked in home health?
A: I’ve been a home health nurse for 10 years.
Q: How many assignments have you taken with HCS?
A: Let’s see. I was in West Virginia for 3 1/2 years. And then I came back to Florida for another. Then I went back to West Virginia for almost a full assignment, and now I’m back in Florida on another assignment.
Q: How exactly would you describe HCS and its impact on your home health career?
A: The recruiters have been wonderful. I started off with Christopher, then Riley, and Jackie is the supervisor. Everyone’s been wonderful. I lost my mom in November, and they’ve been really sweet and nice, helping me through that process since I couldn’t start my new contract on time. They’ve made everything smooth when transitioning to a new place. They are always there when I need something or if things aren’t going right, like not getting enough hours or patients. All I need to do is send a text or make a phone call, and they help tremendously.
Q: What obstacles do you face in your specialty, and how do you navigate through those obstacles?
A: The main obstacle was when I returned to Florida. I had a patient whose house I wasn’t comfortable visiting because it seemed they were dealing drugs. I called Ryleigh, who contacted Jackie, and they arranged for only male staff to visit that patient.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your day, and what is the most difficult part?
A: The most rewarding part is meeting new people, helping them get better, and teaching them how to manage their health. The most difficult part is locating patients, especially those who are homeless, and managing schedule changes.
Q: Can you walk us through a typical day as a home health nurse?
A: I contact my patients the evening before to set up appointments. In the morning, I review patient information and visit the first patient. I perform tasks like wound care, IVs, blood draws and catheter changes. After each visit, I chart the information and move to the next patient. If I draw labs, I take them to the lab immediately. I educate patients on their conditions and how to manage their health. My day involves a lot of driving and managing schedules.
Q: How do you feel your recruiter supports you through challenging times and exciting opportunities?
A: My recruiters have been very supportive, especially during personal losses like the passing of my mother-in-law and my mother. They helped me navigate through delays in starting new contracts and were very gracious. They’ve been wonderful, even sending gifts after my mother’s passing.
Q: What advice would you give to someone new to being a home health traveler?
A: Have some experience in home health before traveling. It’s important to learn the area and conditions. Don’t quit easily; it’s rewarding but can be challenging. Ensure you’re prepared to handle different environments and stay committed to your contracts.
Q: How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals and family members to ensure continuity of care?
A: Continuity of care is important to me. I communicate with other nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure smooth transitions for patients. I also make sure patients and their families understand any changes in care.
Q: How do you assess and address the unique needs of patients in different regions, and are there any specific challenges or rewards?
A: In rural areas, I coordinate closely with local resources to ensure patients get necessary lab work and medical supplies despite the distance. The challenge is often the lack of resources, but the reward is seeing significant patient improvement. In suburban areas, I navigate the complexities of homelessness and ensure patients receive consistent care. The challenge is navigating a larger, often more complicated, healthcare system, but the reward is the diverse experiences and interactions with patients.
Q: What do you like most about being a traveler?
A: I love seeing new places and experiencing different cultures. It gives me opportunities to visit places I never thought I’d see, like Niagara Falls and Hershey, PA.
Q: What are the freedoms and advantages of being a traveler?
A: Being a traveler allows for flexibility in scheduling and the freedom to explore new areas. I don’t have to work every weekend, which lets me enjoy my time off and explore the places I’m working in.
Make a Difference: Your Home Health Career with HCS Awaits
The role of a home health nurse is both challenging and deeply rewarding. The stories shared by our dedicated home health nurse highlight the significant impact they have on patient health and well-being. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of patients and are seeking a rewarding career in home health, explore our open positions at HCS. Join us in delivering exceptional care and support to those who need it most.