Actually, you need critical thinking skills. You are the drs eyes. You need to have excellent assessment skills. You will have to pick up on health changes, lung sounds, heart sounds, wound care, etc. if you draw blood in the field, you will have to have I'VE skills. Drawing blood in the home is very different than in the hospital. You have to work independently. Your 7th sense has to be sharp, that is your gut feeling! Subtle changes in a patients condition have to be reported. It takes a sharp nurse to pick up on these things. I have done home health off and on for over 10 years. It is a difficult job. You have no one to relieve you, no change of shift. If your a case manager, they are your responsibility. I had 35 to 40 patients to case manage, plus see my quota of 5 to 6 patients a day. It is a challenging job. Nothing like hospital. You will either love it or hate it. There is a lot to learn, but having time to get to know and actually spend time with your patients and family is wonderful, and also heart wrenching.... Good luck
