Lecture Notes: Role of a Home Health Nurse

Introduction

• Speaker: Amber, Registered Nurse (RN) with Vallejo Home Health
• Main tasks: Provide education, perform health assessments, medication management, coordinate with therapists

First Visit: Comprehensive Health Assessment

• Detailed health history review
• Physical assessments:
  • Heart and lungs
  • Skin assessment
• Goal: Develop a game plan to improve patient's health

Regular Care Activities

• Medication Management
  • Manage medications for conditions like diabetes and heart disease
• Coordination with Therapists
  • Restore strength and energy, especially after falls

In-Home Services

• Blood Draws
  • Blood draws carried out in-home
  • Samples sent to insurance-approved labs
• Lab Tests
  • Urine samples and other tests collected in-home
• Wound Care
  • Dressing changes done in-home
  • Ideal for patients with mobility issues or safety concerns

Duration of Visits

• Visit length varies based on patient's needs (30 min to 1 hour)
• Emphasis on spending quality time with patients

Benefits of Home Health Nursing

• Deep understanding of patient and their family
• Form professional relationships with patients
• Witness patient improvement over time

Conclusion

• Personal fulfillment from seeing patient health improvements