A visiting nurse visits patients in their homes or assisted living facilities to provide care. He or she typically visits several clients per day, performing routine evaluations, administering aid as needed, and checking in with caregivers. Although some professionals work for hospitals and government assistance agencies, the majority of visiting nurses work for home health care agencies and nonprofit community organizations. Self-employment is an option for a skilled visiting nurse with advanced credentials.
A visiting nurse’s specific responsibilities differ depending on his or her employer and the types of patients seen. Large home health agency clients are frequently assigned part- or full-time caregivers who are in charge of hygiene and daily care. A nurse consults with caregivers on a regular basis to determine how well patients are doing and whether they believe additional care is required. The nurse takes vital signs, dresses wounds or bed sores, changes catheters, and performs other medical services as needed when evaluating a patient. Typically, visits are meticulously documented in order to keep track of progress and medication regimens.
A visiting nurse who works for a small agency or is self-employed typically has a broader range of responsibilities. If clients do not have full-time caregivers, the nurse may assume responsibilities such as bathing, dressing, laundry, and meal preparation. In order to establish feelings of trust with their patients, a nurse must be friendly, respectful, and empathetic at all times.
The majority of visiting nurses work eight-hour shifts, though hours can vary greatly depending on the day-to-day circumstances. When they are not on the clock, many visiting nurses assume on-call status, making themselves available in the event of an emergency. A nurse who develops close relationships with patients may pay unscheduled visits just to keep them company.
To work as a visiting nurse, you’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and the ability to pass national registered nurse licensing exams. Most professionals start out in general hospitals and emergency rooms to gain experience and firsthand knowledge of a wide range of patient types and conditions. With experience, a nurse can conduct research and submit resumes to various employers in his or her area. A new visiting nurse will typically shadow an experienced worker for several weeks or months to learn about specific responsibilities, policies, and procedures.
Many visiting nurses decide to continue their education in order to improve their credentials and opportunities for advancement in their careers. A nurse practitioner degree enables a person to provide a broader range of services, such as writing prescriptions and diagnosing new conditions. A professional may also choose to take business management courses in order to work in a home health or government agency as an administrator. As an administrator, he or she can assist in the implementation of new policies aimed at improving patient care and providing better benefits to working nurses.