Should You Become a Home Health Care Specialist?

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you've always worked in a hospital or other large clinical setting and you're considering a job in home care, you'll need to know exactly what you're getting into. Here are a few things you'll face should you decide to become a home health aide, home nurse, or rehab therapist.

You're on Your Own. While home health providers can stay in touch via phone and email, they spend many days without seeing coworkers or bosses. Some home care workers can't tolerate the isolation and lack of professional camaraderie in home care situations.

It's a Big Responsibility. When you're caring for a patient in their home, there's no doctor or ER team just down the hall. Your patient's life often depends on what you do or fail to do.

Clinical Skills Readiness. Should an emergency arise, will you be ready to handle it with the skills found in a healthcare facility? You'll have to move fast and know exactly what to do to prevent injury or save a life. Are your skills at peak levels?

Being Proactive. When problems arise, you'll need to be able to offer the patient's doctor specific recommendations about what to do. Doctors may not always want to see the patient, but simply approve, adjust or comment on your suggested course of action.

Good Social Skills. As a home care provider, you'll need to realize that it's the patient's home and be respectful of the boundaries set by the patient. Dealing with a patient's family members can require a certain level of diplomacy.

Try Before You Commit. Before quitting your day job, take some per diem assignments through an agency. You'll soon know whether home care is for you.

For an additional perspective, check out this video:

For more information on health careers, visit http://www.healthcarejobsite.com/