Visiting nurse

Visiting Nurse

A visiting nurse or home health nurse is a registered nurse who provides medical care, treatment, and education to patients in their homes. This type of nursing is a critical component of the healthcare system, particularly for patients who are unable to leave their homes due to illness, disability, or recovery from surgery.

History

The concept of visiting nursing originated in the mid-19th century, with the establishment of the District Nursing service in Liverpool, England by philanthropist William Rathbone. The service aimed to provide nursing care to the poor in their own homes. The idea quickly spread to other countries, including the United States, where the Visiting Nurse Service of New York was established in 1893.

Role and Responsibilities

Visiting nurses perform a wide range of duties, including administering medication, monitoring vital signs, providing wound care, and assisting with daily activities such as bathing and eating. They also play a crucial role in patient education, teaching patients and their families about their conditions, medications, and self-care techniques.

In addition to direct patient care, visiting nurses often coordinate care with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physical therapists, and social workers. They may also provide emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.

Education and Training

To become a visiting nurse, one must first become a registered nurse by completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Some visiting nurses may also choose to pursue additional certification in home health nursing through organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Challenges and Benefits

Visiting nursing can be both challenging and rewarding. Nurses often work independently and must be able to make critical decisions on their own. They may also face difficult situations, such as dealing with end-of-life care or working in unsafe neighborhoods. However, many visiting nurses find the one-on-one patient interaction and the ability to provide holistic care in a patient's own environment to be highly rewarding.

See Also

• Community health nursing
• Public health nursing
• Nursing in the United Kingdom
• Nursing in the United States