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Home health agencies provide medical, therapeutic, and supportive services at a patient’s home. These services help patients recover from an illness, injury, or manage chronic health conditions more comfortably.

Home health agencies overview

Healthcare professionals can benefit from knowing key details about home healthcare. Below are some important facts that define these care agencies:

• Levels of care: Home healthcare encompasses a range of service levels, from intermittent skilled care to continuous support, including hospice services.
• Type of care provided: Care in home health settings typically includes medical monitoring, rehabilitation, personal care assistance, and companionship.
• Patient population: The primary population served can include individuals recovering from surgery or illness, those with chronic conditions, and elderly patients needing assistance with daily activities.
• Types of clinicians needed: Home healthcare often requires registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and home health aides.

What care services are provided by home health agencies?

Home healthcare offers various services to meet individual patient needs. These services may include the following:

• Skilled nursing care for wound care, medication management, and disease monitoring
• Physical therapy to aid in rehabilitation and mobility improvement
• Occupational therapy to assist patients in performing daily tasks
• Speech therapy for patients experiencing communication difficulties
• Personal care assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation
• Home health aide services for companionship and non-medical support

The flexibility of home health services allows professionals to collaborate closely with patients and their families, ensuring personalized care plans that optimally address their needs.

Pros and cons of working in home health

Working in home health offers unique opportunities and challenges that healthcare professionals should consider.

Pros

1. Flexible schedules: Home health positions often provide flexibility in work schedules, allowing professionals to balance personal and professional commitments.
2. Personal connections: Clinicians have the opportunity to build longstanding relationships with patients and families, leading to more meaningful care experiences.
3. Variety of work: No two days in home health are alike, as clinicians may encounter diverse cases and challenges that enhance their skills.
4. Autonomy: Working independently allows healthcare professionals to exercise their clinical judgment and make decisions tailored to individual patient needs.
5. Supportive environment: Clinicians find that working in patients' homes can foster a supportive atmosphere where families are often actively involved in care.

Cons

1. Isolation: Home health professionals may feel isolated as they work alone without the immediate support of coworkers and a clinical team.
2. Travel requirements: Daily travel between patient homes can be time-consuming and may lead to increased wear and tear on personal vehicles.
3. Administrative burden: Clinicians often need to manage documentation and billing processes independently, which can be time-consuming and detract from patient care.
4. Variable patient acuity: Professionals may encounter a wide range of patient health statuses, sometimes dealing with complex cases that require quick clinical decision-making in unplanned situations.
5. Inconsistent hours: Depending on patient needs, clinicians may work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Required qualifications to work in home health

Specific qualifications are essential to pursue a career in home health. Most positions require the following:

• A valid nursing license (for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses) or relevant certifications for other clinicians
• Experience in a clinical setting, preferably in rehabilitation, geriatrics, or chronic disease management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster relationships with patients and their families
• Organizational skills to manage schedules, documentation, and care plans effectively
• Basic knowledge of medical technology and telehealth tools, as these are increasingly utilized in home health settings

How much can nurses earn working in home health?

Nurses and other healthcare professionals in home health can expect varying earnings based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of job. 

On average, a registered nurse in home health can earn between $25 to $50 per hour, with experienced nurses and specialized practitioners potentially earning more. 

Browse open jobs with home health agencies

Healthcare professionals seeking opportunities in home health can take the first step by browsing PRN jobs available with Nursa. 

By picking up PRN shifts with Nursa, clinicians can find a variety of roles that suit their skills and interests while enjoying the flexibility of home health. 

Are you interested in exploring these positions? Sign up with Nursa to access available PRN jobs with home health agencies.