A vocational career as a professional and registered nurse can be undertaken in a variety of different locations. With numerous specialisms which nurses can choose to focus on and pursue at different stages of their career, any information about different nursing environments could not possibly hinder.
With that being said, here are some top tips for nursing professionals who are soon to be transitioning from working in a more traditional hospital setting to specializing in home care.
Ensure You Are Highly Adept at Using Specialized Equipment
As you will already be fully aware, the nature of each home visit you are assigned to will vary greatly, depending on the individual patient’s situation.
However, some patients you visit will require moving and bathing, for example, and so you will need to make sure you are completely comfortable in using such specialized equipment as lifting cushions, bath hoists, bariatric equipment, and other care equipment and accessories.
Learn to Not Rush (Even if You Are in a Rush)
Quality care is not just about doing everything that the person requires and needs, but it is also about making each home visit count and providing a different experience, yet still consistent, every time you see them.
On average, you should aim to spend approximately one hour with each patient on your list for the day at the minimum, and it is essential to remember that, even if you are incredibly busy and behind with your working day, your visit will be something the patient is undoubtedly looking forward to.
Always Uphold the Ethics & Morals of the Company
Just as in other areas of the medical world, as indeed in different industries across the country and beyond, different companies hold themselves to different standards when it comes to meeting and going above and beyond the needs of each patient.
Reputable and exceedingly ethical companies that are dedicated to providing excellent and consistently thorough at-home care for seniors, such as Skylark Elderly Home Care, only hire the most dedicated and passionate individuals.
Work on Establishing a Connection Based on Fun
Obviously, as an at-home nurse, especially when tasked with caring for patients who are elderly and/or have problems undertaking daily tasks and chores, you are the professional and they are the patient.
However, without this line in the sand ever being crossed, it is also vitally important to find a mutual interest or hobby which you can enjoy together each visit. Even if this involves reminiscing about pastimes and their childhood, or more physical activities such as crafting and card games, the more entertaining you make the visits, the stronger the bond you will form.
Focus on Food
Naturally, one of the most crucial survival activities an elderly person must regularly engage in is eating, and not just that, but healthy food rich in nutrients and proteins.
Find out what sort of foods and treats each resident is excited by and truly enjoys and be sure to surprise them with one or more of such foodstuffs sporadically. Additionally, treat them to nostalgic sweets and candies which will remind them of happy childhood memories.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
