Home Health Nurse

I have just started a new job as a part time home health nurse. I am, of course, learning much and reviewing more. I enjoy change and am so thankful that the nursing profession offers a myriad of opportunities.

The home health nurse visits patients in their homes after they are released from the hospital. The goal is to prevent the patient from going back to the hospital because they didn't take care of themselves, or to provide basic nursing services (such as dressing changes) outside of the hospital because it is much cheaper than staying in the hospital. This service is often paid for completely by Medicare.

I am looking forward to this type of nursing because seeing the patient in their home provides a complete picture of the issues and problems that they must overcome to heal and stay healthy. I will have the chance to assess their home environment and get them whatever type of assistance will best benefit them. This includes physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, house cleaning, meal assistance, grooming assistance, or social assistance. I will be able to sit down with the patient and discuss their medications and their illness and teach them how to take good care of themselves. I know that this job will often be frustrating because many people don't want to do what it takes to take good care of their bodies; but perhaps I can bless a few lives by spreading Love around.

Tuesday Tips

One of the main reasons that I became a nurse was to help my family avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor. Now, I know if one of us truly needs medical care or if we can "wait it out" (my husband's favorite option). Sometimes it is difficult to decide, and if you're not sure then go ahead and see your doctor. However, there are some general guidelines that I follow at my house:

-fever in adults higher than 101.
-vomiting and/or diarrhea for more than 3 days
-sick for more than 7 days
-any infection that is worsening (swelling, redness, pain, puss, fever)

Of course, if you have any symptoms of a medical emergency you need to go to an urgent care center or emergency room right away (please call 911):

-chest pain/heaviness/pressure, especially with single arm numbness/tingling/pain
-sudden and unusually severe pain or headache
-any muscle weakness or fainting
-trouble talking or walking
-uncontrollable bleeding
-difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat
-sudden changes in vision

If you have a question about a specific situation (clearly not an emergency), just ask me and I will be glad to give you my advice (I am not a doctor) about what I would do if I were you.