What does a Home Care Nurse do?
A Home Care Nurse provides personal and medical care at a patient’s home. Their patients are typically elderly, dealing with disabilities, or may be bedridden, so they may be unable to leave their homes or prefer not to visit a hospital or doctor’s office. Thus, a Home Care Nurse must provide medical care at their home by doing tasks such as administering medicine, changing dressings, and checking blood pressure. Home Care Nurses may also assist the patient with their personal grooming and hygiene by bathing them, changing their clothes, or helping them in and out of bed. Home Care Nurses also work with the patient’s physician to develop a healthcare plan, and ensure the patient and their family are kept up-to-date.
Home Care Nurse skills and qualifications
Home Care Nurses work with bedridden, elderly, or disabled patients who are able to live in the comfort of their own home instead of a hospital or long-term care facility. Some prerequisite skills and qualifications every Home Care Nurse needs include:
- Ability to work independently
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Great interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to empathize with patients
- Able to provide physical and emotional support
- Active listening skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of medical practices and equipment
Home Care Nurse experience requirements
In addition to the necessary education, Home Care Nurse candidates should have experience in a traditional nursing role. Working in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other large care setting gives candidates hands-on experience while other Nurses and Physicians are there to help. This prepares candidates to work on their own in patients’ homes.
Home Care Nurse education and training requirements
Home Care Nurses must first be a qualified Registered Nurse to perform their job. To do this, candidates in every province and territory except Quebec must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In Quebec, candidates must have a three-year Diploma of Collegial Studies in nursing or a higher designation. Once candidates finish necessary schooling, they must obtain a nursing license for the province or territory they want to work in. For example, candidates in Ontario must register with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Finally, to become certified, all Canadian candidates must pass the National Council Licensure Exam.
Job salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Home Care Nurse in Canada is $117,474 per year. This salary varies and is dependent on experience, location and the client or agency.
Job description samples for similar positions
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