What Does a Home Care LPN Do?

Home nursing is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the health care industry, with many aging baby boomers hiring licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to assist them with their medical and personal needs in the privacy and comfort of their homes. Home care LPNs assist people who have disabilities and injuries, as well as those who are sick or dying. It's not an easy job, but it can be very fulfilling for nurses who prefer to work closely with their patients and who are good at working independently with minimal supervision.

What Kinds of Patients Do Homecare LPNs See?

Home care LPNs are increasingly in demand, not only because of the growing elderly population, but also due to new technology that makes it possible for medical diagnostics and services to be provided at home. Many patients prefer to recover from surgery or long-term illnesses at home, and hire home care nurses to assist them in their recovery. Other LPNs might work with:

• Elderly patients with physical disabilities, dementia, or other mental and memory disorders   
• Accident victims recovering at home   
• People with illnesses such as diabetes, hepatitis, cardiovascular disease, or cancer who require frequent monitoring of their vital signs and medication   
• Autistic or special needs children and adults whose families are unable to provide the full-time care they need
• Childred and adults with terminal illnesses who prefer to spend their remaining time at home

In addition to providing private, ongoing care and support, home care nurses also teach patients' families how to best assist their loved ones when a nurse is not present. 

Daily Work for a Home Care LPN 

Depending on the patient, a home care nurse's duties may include any of the following: 

• Helping patients clean, feed and dress themselves  
• Reminding patients to take their medication  
• Assisting disabled or injured clients with getting in and out of bed and moving around their homes  
• Helping patients with physical therapy by providing physical and emotional support  
• Providing therapeutic massage when needed  
• Teaching basic living skills to special needs children  
• Drawing blood and monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, body temperature) and response to medication  
• Administering pain medication or IVs (previously authorized by a doctor) as needed  
• Recording daily food and fluid intake and output  
• Changing catheters and dressings on wounds and incisions  
• Monitoring the healing process  
• Teaching friends and family members to help care for their loved ones, and showing patients good habits to help them heal faster and lower their pain levels  

Special Qualifications for Home Care Nurses 

Home care nurses work almost completely independently, requiring a higher level of organization and self-motivation to keep track of patients' needs. These LPNs need to have plenty of patience, diplomacy, and a good sense of humor to interact comfortably with irritable patients and concerned family members.  

Home care LPNs are usually those who prefer a self-directed working environment that is not as fast-paced as a hospital or clinic. The best nurses are able to connect with their clients and provide a warm, friendly presence, promoting faster healing and a sense of peace for ill patients.