Learn about the essential requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that are helpful in a home care nurse job description.
Home care nurses, also known as home health nurses, work directly in patients’ residences to provide them with medical care. Instead of being in charge of multiple patients, they care for people one at a time. Depending on their experience and education level, they can be a home health registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or nurse assistant.
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Home Care Nurse Job Description Template
We’re seeking dependable, experienced, and caring home care nurses to work one-on-one with patients in our area. All your patient visits will be in their home, giving you a chance to build long-lasting relationships with the people you care for. Your primary responsibilities include monitoring health conditions in patients of all ages, preparing accurate reports and documentation, and adhering to a patient’s medical plan. You should be prepared to work with a patient’s guardian or family to coordinate schedules and care. Successful candidates will have a compassionate attitude and a willingness to perform all types of medical tasks.
Home Care Nurse Responsibilities
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Provide emotional support to patients and their families/caregivers
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Administering treatments based on a patient’s care plan
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Collecting new health information and taking vital signs at the start of the visit
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Monitoring for any signs of neglect, such as bedsores or infections
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Providing patient education about how to care for the patient properly
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Assisting patients with personal hygiene, such as showering and toileting
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Managing a patient’s care plan and making recommendations based on in-home evaluations
Home Care Nurse Requirements
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A minimum of an Associate’s degree in nursing, Bachelor’s degree is preferred
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Clinical experience, either from an internship or a paid position
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Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
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A passing score for the NCLEX
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Active state nursing license
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Relevant certifications such as CPR are preferred
Home Care Nurse Duties And Responsibilities
Provide emotional support to patients and their families/caregivers
Because home nurses see one patient at a time, they sometimes have the opportunity to develop better relationships. Understanding a patient’s feelings and experiences can inform the nurse’s approach, giving them a more personalized level of support. Home care nurses should be empathic, compassionate, patient, and comfortable working with families on an emotional and technical level.
Administering treatments based on a patient’s care plan
Each patient has a care plan that includes details about their diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. Based on this information, a home care nurse will execute the necessary medical procedures that are required. Some examples are drawing blood, collecting vital signs, administering a breathing treatment, or adjusting medical equipment like an IV or feeding tube.
Monitoring for any signs of neglect, such as bedsores or infections
Providing in-home care also comes with additional responsibilities that nurses in a hospital or other type of healthcare facility may not have to look as closely for, such as bedsores, infections, dysfunction in the home, or financial abuse in the elderly. It’s a home care nurse’s job to report any signs of abuse or neglect properly to ensure a patient’s safety. Many home health agencies require training on this topic, but knowing the warning signs is always recommended before a home care nurse starts seeing patients.
Related: Best Work From Home Nursing Jobs
Assisting patients with personal hygiene, such as showering and toileting
Sometimes, a patient may be unable to take care of their own personal hygiene. While this is usually a nursing assistant or caregiver job, home care nurses may be expected to perform these duties as needed. Showering, toileting, and feeding are all examples of potential personal hygiene tasks.
Managing a patient’s care plan and making recommendations based on in-home evaluations
One of a home care nurse’s primary responsibilities is managing a patient’s care plan. If they notice a problem or do not believe the treatment is working, they will collaborate with doctors and other medical staff involved in a patient’s treatment to determine how to proceed. Communicating details about the treatment plan with family, caseworkers, or caregivers may also be required.
If you want to become a home care nurse, check out our guide on how to become a nurse.
Home Care Nurse Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $87,824
Education Required: Associate’s degree in nursing
Number of Jobs: 203,200 per year
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 6%
The Bottom Line
Being a home care nurse can be rewarding for those who want to have the flexibility of creating their schedule, traveling, and working with patients individually. To pursue this career, you only need an Associate’s degree in nursing, relevant clinical experience, and certifications.
To see where employers are searching for candidates, check our list of the best free job posting sites. If you want to add a home care nurse to your team, post your home care nurse job description on ZipRecruiter today!
