What It Means to Be a Homecare Nurse
What is a homecare nurse?
A homecare nurse is a registered nurse who delivers care to people in their own homes rather than a hospital or clinic setting. When people hear home care they often think of elderly adults, however homecare nurses care for people of all ages with different illnesses and conditions.
What can you expect as a homecare nurse?
As a homecare nurse no day is the same, you will tackle a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities similar to a general nurse on a ward such as administering medication, checking blood pressure and monitoring vitals. In addition, depending on the patient and their care, a more complex, speciality service may be expected. You may also help to educate the client or their family on managing their health conditions and answer any questions they may have.
What are the benefits of working as a homecare nurse?
There are many benefits to working as a homecare nurse, one of the most rewarding aspects is the strong relationships you build with people and their families. This is ultimately beneficial for the client who will feel more at ease with their care by someone they are friendly with. Looking after someone in their own home is a more personalised approach to care.
Connections that might be difficult to establish in a busy hospital setting can often be more easily developed in a home environment. As nurses can have the time to sit down and give their full attention to the patient. This consistency allows for a deeper understanding of each patient’s personal story, preferences and unique challenges. Building these relationships is essential not just for effective care, but also for the emotional wellbeing of the client.
Being able to see a client in their everyday living environment helps to understand their routine and spot any potential challenges at home which could have harmful effects. Treating someone you know well gives you an advantage in being able to identify when something is not quite right.
Another advantage to working in a homecare setting is the flexibility, as there is greater freedom to your schedule with full time or part time options available. It can also suit nurses who may not wish to work in a hospital setting or be on their feet for an entire day straight.
Being a homecare nurse, is a deeply rewarding and fulfilling career which has a significant impact on the lives cared for. The ability to provide personalised, one-on-one care, build meaningful relationships and help patients maintain their independence offers a unique sense of satisfaction. Watching as clients progress and knowing your care contributes can bring a sense of accomplishment to the work you do every day.
