Home Health Nursing Programs

What Is Home Health Nursing?
This particular branch of nursing focuses on helping patients who require healthcare, but they are unable to make it to a hospital. Professional home health nurses are trained to supervise health aides, monitor the patient's vital signs, provide treatment as needed, and generally help patients in their mobility around the home. Most nurses work with older individuals who find it difficult to make the commute to and from a hospital. They may also work with younger children, individuals with handicaps, or those who require close supervision or rehabilitation. Due to the diversity of their patients, home health nurses require training in a broad spectrum of topics to be able to execute their duties effectively.

How Could A Person Become This Type of Nurse?
Becoming a home health nurse will require prospective nurses to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a four year program which combines learning in the field of nursing as well as humanities and social sciences. The aim is to groom students to become better at problem-solving, medical treatment, and better at dealing with patients compassionately. Coursework will include practical and classroom instruction, which allows students to learn the theory relevant to their field and gain a chance to practically apply it as well.

While the typical duration for the undergraduate degree is four years, this could vary depending on your status as a full-time or part-time student, and the academic rigor of the program as well. Upon completing the degree, you will be eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam will allow you to practice your profession legally within the US. Specialized programs in home health nursing are available for RNs. Enrolling in these programs will focus your training in dealing with elderly patients and those with handicaps. You will learn how to become a strong emotional support for your patients, and a competent healthcare provider. Online nursing programs are also available for students to enroll. These programs offer flexible course schedules, and may be accessed from any location with an internet connection.

Certification
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers a Home Health Care Nurse Assistant certification to all those who wish to work in this field. Obtaining this certification may help increase your chances of getting employed because you add credibility to your qualifications. All candidates will have to pass an exam in order to be granted the certificate. The examination will test your knowledge of various nursing topics. The certification must be renewed every five years by retaking the exam.

Job Outlook
The nursing industry is one of the fastest growing in the US. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 26% growth in this field between 2010 and 2020. As a result, the opportunities are growing. With an increasing population in the US, comprising of elderly individuals, home health nurses will also be in higher demand owing to their specific expertise in the field.