Career Summary

Home health nurses are registered nurses who have specialized training in in-home care. They are among the occupations commonly referred to as direct care workers, due to their role in working with patients who need long-term care. The specific care they give depends on what medical problems an individual has.

Home health nurses provide care for physically or mentally ill, injured or disabled patients in their homes, often following a hospital discharge or during rehabilitation. They frequently help elderly or convalescent people who choose to live with their families or in their own homes rather than in health care facilities. They may work with other nursing or medical staff members to provide health-related services, such as administering oral medications.

Some typical duties home health nurses may undertake:

• Elderly companionship and personal care
• Respite services
• Live-in care
• Home care consultation
• Travel escort

A registered nursing agency or social worker usually assigns specific duties and supervises home health nurses, who keep records of the services they perform. They record each patient’s daily condition, response to treatment and the progress they make.

More information can be found via the Additional Information links below.