Home Health Nurse Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Home Health Nurse, or Home Health RN, is responsible for traveling to a patient’s home to administer their services and helping patients maintain their independence. Their duties include administering at-home IVs, changing dressings, cleaning wounds and updating Doctors about their patient’s health.

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Home Health Nurse duties and responsibilities 

Home Health Nurses provide a variety of tasks during patient visits depending on the specific plan of care and type of patient. They often have the following duties and responsibilities: 

  • Assess and chart observations of the patient’s condition at each visit.
  • Complete evaluation tasks, including reviewing medication and vital signs.
  • Administer Physician-prescribed medication.
  • Dress or redress wounds and assess the healing progress.
  • Provide education to patients and families on proper home health care procedures and strategies.
  • Coordinate with Physicians, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other individuals in the patient’s care plan.
  • Keep the patient comfortable through palliative care.
  • Recommend tools or devices that may improve the quality of life for the patient.
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Home Health Nurse Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

LVN Home Health Nurse - Shift Care - Hesperia

We are seeking LVNs interested in Shift Care to provide skilled nursing to patients within their home. Most of our patients are either of pediatric or geriatric age. Our ideal candidate must be compliant and punctual with shifts and paperwork. Good communication skills with staff and multidisciplinary team is required. Candidate must have a reliable method of transportation and have open availability for shifts of interest.

Most of our patients require (1) or more of the following Nursing Skills:

** If not familiar with these skills, paid training will be provided***

** New LVN Graduates Welcomed!!!!**

· Ventilator

· Tracheostomy

· Suction

· Gastrostomy

· Seizure Precautions

· Oral, SubQ, IM medication administration

Available Shifts:

Hesperia, CA (LVN)

Day Shift: Mon-Fri., Sat. 0800-1600 (8 Hr Shift)

Please BRING THE Following TO YOUR Interview:

· Valid professional licensed in California

· Personal Identification Card (ID)

· Social Security Card

· Passport, Permanent Resident card, or work permit

· Physical exam

· Tuberculosis Results: PPD, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, Chest X-ray (If applicable)

· Professional Liability Insurance (Needed within 30 days of hire)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: $23.00 to $26.00 /hours
Salary varies with LVN's experience and needs of patients.

***
  • $2,000 Bonus ( Details discussed at the interview) *

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • Health insurance
    Medical Specialty:
  • Pediatrics
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Sierra Home Health & Hospice is currently seeking a qualified and compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to care for our patients in their home environment. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills to assist with physician and interdisciplinary team member communications. If you are enjoy working independently and developing patient relationships, please consider becoming a valued member our team!

    Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Evaluate and treat patients using the most current technology and practices
  • Participate in clinical outcomes monitoring, follow up, and agency performance improvement initiatives

  • Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to provide highest level of care
  • Assist RN Team Member with assessment and plan of care

    Requirements
    *Qualifications & Requirements: *

  • Current, unencumbered LPN License in New Mexico or a Compact State
  • Current CPR certification
  • Reliable transportation, valid driver's license with no DUI's, revocations, or suspensions in the last 5 years
  • Exceptional customer care
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skill
  • MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

    Benefits
    *Benefits & Allowances: *

  • Positive, supportive work environment
  • Direct patient care without time restrictions to build patient relationships
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Excellent health Type: Full-time
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    Example 3

    VNA of WNY is hiring for an RN (Registered Nurse) Position:

    The Visiting Nursing Association of WNY is recognized as the very first VNA in the United States. Today the VNA of WNY is the largest provider of skilled home health care providing services in 10 counties across WNY as well as an office in Bradford, PA. Last year we cared for 27,000 patients and performed over 500,000 home visits. We have been recognized by Medicare as a 4.5 start agency for our exceptional quality. We have also been recognized by a national independent rating firm for the past 8 years as a top 5% performing home care agency in the entire country.

    RN (Registered Nurse) Required Experience:

    1 year of relevant RN acute care experience preferred

    RN (Registered Nurse) Educational Requirements:

    Graduate of accredited School of Registered Nursing.

    Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in NYS.

    Valid NYS driver's license.

    RN (Registered Nurse) Physical Requirements:

    Walking, standing, sitting and driving.

    Weight Requirement: 50lbs

    RN (Registered Nurse) Benefits Include:
  • Excellent pay with continual wage increases
  • Medical & Vision Insurance
  • Dental Insurance at no cost
  • Pension
  • 403(B)
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Mileage Reimbursement
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Continuing Education Assistance
  • Loan Forgiveness (through federal government)
  • One on One Patient Care
  • Working for WNY’s largest health care provider, Kaleida Health

    Job Type: Full-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Loan forgiveness
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Medical Specialty:
  • Home Health
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Rotating weekends
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Overtime pay

    Education:
  • Associate (Required)

    Experience:
  • Nursing: 1 year (Required)
  • Acute Care: 1 year (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • NYS RN License (Required)
  • Driver's License Location: Multiple Locations
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    Example 4

    Everest Home healthcare is seeking for Pediatric Home Health Nurses to assist medically fragile children at home. Everest is looking for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) for immediate hire for our growing Pediatric Private Duty Nursing Department in the State of IL. This is an opportunity to work one on one with a client or patient in the comfort of their home. The hours are flexible! Clients and patients are available in many locations across Illinois. Whether you are looking for full-time or part-time, we can fulfill your needs. Training available. Join our team of professionals and assist our communities in exceptional quality care.

    We have several full-time positions available for New grad and experienced LPN’s and RN’s.

    Shifts availability: 8- and 12-hour day and night shifts are available.

    Responsibilities:

    · Administer medication to patients.

    · Assist with daily activities such as positioning, bathing, feeding, and dressing patients.

    · Work with other professionals to create treatment plans.

    · Clean and re-dress wounds if needed.

    · Measure vital signs.

    · Monitor changes in behavior and progress.

    · Based on individual clients: Monitoring/managing/changing and care for Ventilators, Gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomy tubes, and catheters.

    · Traveling with parents or guardian to appointments

    · Actively providing therapy that is recommended by the various therapists.

    · Providing age-appropriate stimulation and activities.

    Home Health Nurse Requirements:

    Current active LPN/RN IL license, Basic Life Support (BLS), Clean criminal and background record, current resume, driver’s license, auto insurance, social security card, Physical upon hire (can be within 1 year of the employment).

    Benefits and Compensation

    · Competitive Pay Rates

    · 401 K

    · Health Insurance

    · Direct Deposit

    · Paid Training

    · Documentation on Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in the home

    · No weekly stops at the office to drop off charts

    To start an application, visit [website] and click on “Join us” or simply call our office at [phone number] and request to speak with a recruiter for employment.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $27.00 - $32.00 per Location: Multiple Locations
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    What does a Home Health Nurse do?

    Home Health Nurses typically work for home healthcare agencies to provide at-home care to patients. They use their nursing qualifications in combination with their compassion for others to provide quality medical services to their patients. Their job is to take their patient’s vitals, assess the state of their health and perform routine procedures like providing medication and checking on wounds. After each visit, they write progress reports for Doctors to review. They may also teach loved ones how to carry out routine care procedures like administering medications, checking blood sugar levels and changing bandages.

    Home Health Nurse skills and qualifications

    A successful Home Health Nurse uses a variety of soft skills and clinical knowledge to provide the most comprehensive care. These skills can include: 

    • Strong interpersonal skills that allow them to get to know their patients, build personal rapport and establish trust to provide high-quality care while increasing patients’ enjoyment and comfort
    • Initiative so they can make independent decisions when required and accept direction and requests from patients.
    • Ability to act swiftly in emergencies and work efficiently
    • Flexibility and patience to work in a variety of living environments 
    • Knowledge of clinical skills including changing bandages, giving tube feedings, administering shots and setting up and monitoring IVs

    Home Health Nurse salary expectations

    A Home Health Nurse makes an average of $1,663 per week. Salaries may vary based on a candidate’s geographical location, experience level and education.

    Home Health Nurse education and training requirements 

    Many Home Health Nurse job postings do not require a bachelor’s degree and will accept a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a certificate or diploma from a state-approved, accredited program, which usually takes less than one year to complete and is available at technical schools and community colleges. Registered Nurses (RNs) complete a longer degree program, typically a bachelor’s degree, and are therefore more competitive among Home Health Nurse applicants. RNs, LVNs and LPNs all must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to receive a license.

    Home Health Nurse experience requirements 

    Most nursing degree or certificate programs require some practical experience working with patients, though it would be beneficial to gain experience in home health settings before applying to this role. Additionally, any volunteer experience in home care or nursing homes can make an applicant more competitive.

    Job description samples for similar positions 

    If you’re writing a job description for a related position to the Home Health Nurse, see our job descriptions for similar roles:

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    Frequently asked questions about Home Health Nurses

     

    What is the difference between a Home Health Nurse and a Home Health Aide?

    The difference between a Home Health Nurse and a Home Health Aide is seniority. Home Health Nurses are Registered Nurses who have more advanced qualifications and responsibilities. In contrast, Home Health Aides typically don’t need any formal education and can provide primary care to those in need. For example, a Home Health Nurse has the authority to conduct health assessments and administer vaccines or IVs if needed. In contrast, Home Health Aides help by doing chores, assisting patients in bathing, making sure they take their medications and preparing meals for them.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Home Health Nurse?

    On an average day, a Home Health Nurse has multiple patient visits to attend. They review their schedule, check visit times and confirm addresses. Throughout the day, they drive to each location and greet patients and their loved ones. They talk with each patient to determine how they feel and whether anything has changed from their last visit. They check their vitals to assess breathing and blood pressure. 

    During each visit, they complete patient-specific tasks like taking blood samples or administering medication and answer any questions that patients and their loved ones have. They also take notes to include in their report later on. Home Health Nurses compile reports and send them to their patients’ Physicians before concluding their day.

     

    What qualities make a good Home Health Nurse?

    A good Home Health Nurse is someone who channels their empathy for others through providing quality care and service to their patients. They prioritize punctuality and time management, as they have multiple patient visits each day. Home Health Nurses also have superb attention to detail that enables them to accurately assess their patients and determine whether they need additional care at a hospital or clinic. Further, a good Home Health Nurse always looks for continued education opportunities to hone their skills and deliver expert care to their patients.

     

    Who does a Home Health Nurse report to?

    A Home Health Nurse typically reports to a Manager at the healthcare facility they work for. Their Manager provides them with their assignments and work schedules. They may also brief Home Health Nurses on particular patients and their needs. Throughout the day, Managers act as a point of communication for Home Health Nurses if they have any questions or concerns.

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