What does it take to be a home care nurse?!

brillohead, ADN, RN · Nov 10, 2015

First off you need to realize that this is someone's home, and *they* set the tone.

You don't get to set the schedule, you don't get to set policy, and you can and will be let go for any reason or none at all if the family decides they don't like you.

I always bring *everything* I will need -- never assume that you can use their electronics or their dishes, etc. Bring your own food, your own drinks, your own silverware/dishes, feminine supplies, reading material, hand lotion, etc.

Keep a change of clothes in your car -- poop happens (as do pee, vomit, mucus, etc.).

You may get very comfortable with the patient/family, but never forget that you are an employee and they are your client -- boundaries, boundaries, boundaries.

NagathaChristie · Nov 10, 2015

Flexibility and compassion. Go with the flow. Also, pack your own TP because I have been in homes that did not have any. I also bring my own hand towel that only I use to dry my hands, many families do not have paper towels for us, even though they should.

theogene3 · Dec 23, 2015

I'm a Nurse with advanced diploma in general nursing in Rwanda, i've got it in this year2015, but here in Rwanda no body yet doing Nursing as business, so i need more information about Home health care. What's procedures offered at client home? isn't the price very high to the clients? Thank u.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

PDN can be very rewarding and then yet again it can turn around and bite you in the butt. It is all about families and your perspective. I have cared for several different children and loved it for the most part. I had one family that was PSYCHO and did only 1 shift there. I'd rather have gone without a check than involve myself in their dysfunction. I had other families that treated the nurses with respect and allowed us to use our judgment when it came to caring for their loved one.

That being said you need to know you are in someone else's home. You (in the begining at least) are a stranger that they are supposed to trust to care for their loved one. Most likely you will have to prove you are competent (which I don't blame the family for doing), however you will find families that micromanage EVERY task or minute of your day. Some families won't even let you use their toilet paper, others will allow you to use their fridge and will be very supportive. I have found some lack trust because of issues in the past, others are so controlling because they have no control over the illness/condition their loved one has.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

PDN can be very rewarding and then yet again it can turn around and bite you in the butt. It is all about families and your perspective. I have cared for several different children and loved it for the most part. I had one family that was PSYCHO and did only 1 shift there. I'd rather have gone without a check than involve myself in their dysfunction. I had other families that treated the nurses with respect and allowed us to use our judgment when it came to caring for their loved one.

That being said you need to know you are in someone else's home. You (in the begining at least) are a stranger that they are supposed to trust to care for their loved one. Most likely you will have to prove you are competent (which I don't blame the family for doing), however you will find families that micromanage EVERY task or minute of your day. Some families won't even let you use their toilet paper, others will allow you to use their fridge and will be very supportive. I have found some lack trust because of issues in the past, others are so controlling because they have no control over the illness/condition their loved one has.

AND... PDN and HH are VERY different beasts.