10 Tips to Become a Home Health Care Nurse

Homecare nursing is an exciting career opportunity for nurses. Homecare nurses work with patients in their homes to provide basic medical care, emotional support and safety measures. It’s a rewarding career that allows you to spend more time with your family or enjoy hobbies while still doing something meaningful. There are 10 tips to become a home health care nurse that include studying homecare nursing, understanding the requirements of the job, preparing for the job, obtaining licensure and much more.

Tips to Become a Home Health Care Nurse

There are 10 tips to become a home health care nurse. To become a home health care nurse, you need to be educated in the field of nursing, understand that this is an independent position, have excellent communication skills, have good organizational skills, have the ability to work alone, be compassionate and understanding, be resilient and persistent, be able to deal with uncertainties and changes in plans, show patience and perseverance when working with patients who are battling chronic illnesses, disabilities, or kids gone through operations like appendicostomy surgery and finally know how to handle medication administration.

The reality is that if you can’t handle these 10 tips for becoming a home health care nurse then you probably should reconsider this career option. 

1. Education Requirements

Homecare nurses typically need at least one year of experience in the medical field, along with an associate’s degree. Some homecare agencies will hire people without experience, but they may require that you enroll in a nursing school or other program for training. You can also sign up for continuing education courses or apprenticeships to learn more about the profession.

2. Be Physically and Mentally Fit

One of the most important qualities for a home health care nurse is physical and mental fitness. The nurse should be well-dressed as well rather than wearing casual polo shirts etc. Home health care nurses must be able to perform basic tasks like bathing, toileting, dressing, and transferring independently or with minimal assistance. If you are considering this career path, make sure you are in good physical shape.

3. Licensing Requirements for Home Care Nurses

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that homecare nurses are required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in order to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). According to state licensing boards, you may need a license, certification, or both depending on your specialty. For example, home health aides are typically certified by the American Red Cross to provide basic care.

There are many benefits of being a homecare nurse. Not only does it allow you to work in your own neighborhood and spend more time with your family, but it also allows you to work remotely if needed. The flexibility of this career is also attractive because it doesn’t require the level of commitment as other careers. Homecare nursing is an excellent profession for nurses who want to stay active within their profession without taking on full-time hours.

4. National Licensure

National Licensure is a big consideration for those looking to become a home health care nurse. If you’re not already licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN), you’ll need to be licensed in the state where you plan to work as a homecare nurse, just like companies that offer SEO services in Long Island. This licensure process includes an application and exam, and may require additional education and training. It would be wise to contact your desired state’s board of nursing to find out what requirements are needed for their license.

5. State Licensure

In order to practice as a home health care nurse, you will need to obtain a state license. In most states, homecare nurses must be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). But some states allow RNs to work without an LPN license.

You can contact your state’s Board of Nursing for more information about licensing requirements. You may also want to study the State Licensing Examination for Home Care Nurses, which is offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

6. Pre-Hospital Billing and Coding Certification

Pre-hospital Billing and Coding is an important part of the medical billing process. It does not only involve billing in hospitals, but in emergency rooms or any other offsite location where patients are treated. This professional combines medical knowledge with the skills needed to complete tasks such as coding patient records for various insurance programs, preparing bills, and submitting claims at the appropriate time for payment. They are responsible for ensuring that the group’s hospital billings are accurate and timely.

7. Post-Hospital Billing and Coding Certification

If you want to work in the healthcare industry, then a post-hospital billing and coding certification is necessary. Medical records are a key part of any hospital’s everyday operations. Therefore, the more you know about medical records and billing codes, the more valuable you will be to your employer. By having this certification, you’ll have a better chance at finding a job in this field or even advancing to management positions.

8. Medical Coding Examination

The Medical Coding Examination (i.e., NCLEX-RN) is a licensing examination required by all states for licensure as a registered nurse. It is the only nationally standardized examination for registered nurses and, as such, is recognized by all U.S. jurisdictions as the sole evidence of successful completion of the requirement to practice as a nurse in an autonomous setting with limited supervision.

9. Registered Nurse Examination

Applicants for a homecare nursing position must be either a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). Applicants will need to apply for and complete the Registered Nurse Examination (NCE) and pass with a minimum score of 75%.

10. Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program

Certified nursing assistants are in-home caregivers that look after the needs of the elderly or patients with disabilities. If you’re passionate about caring for others, being a certified nursing assistant can be an excellent opportunity.

There are many different ways to become a certified nursing assistant, but one way includes enrolling in a Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. These programs are typically offered at vocational schools or junior colleges and last anywhere from six weeks to nine months long.

The training program covers topics like safety measures, how to care for patients with various conditions, and other skills necessary for this job. The program covers all of the basics while also providing hands-on training that’s essential for this job.

Guest post submitted by Emily John