S
ome people might assume that being a home health
nurse is an easy job. After all, you get to visit patients in their
homes, see to their needs, and go home. Simple, right? Well,
think again. The work doesn't typically end when you see
your last patient. You also have plenty of charting and other
responsibilities, such as dropping off labs, following up with doctors,
ordering supplies, and more. Home health is a complex area of nurs-
ing that requires very strong assessment and organizational skills,
case management, and a willingness to learn on the job. It's not for
the faint of heart, but it is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling job.
Home health RNs
provide continuity
of care and get to
see their patients
heal, learn how to
manage their dis-
ease successfully, and take responsibility for their health.
These unflappable nurses care for patients who are homebound
and whose acuity levels vary greatly. During their visits, the RNs
could be educating a patient about their diabetes, changing the
18 N A T I O N A L N U R S E W W W . N A T I O N A L N U R S E S U N I T E D . O R G A P R I L | M AY | J U N E 2 0 2 2
Health begins at home
Home health nurses across the country share stories
about their demanding but rewarding specialty,
including unusual challenges and work during Covid.
BY CHULEENAN SVETVILAS
Mary Beth Gagne, RN
Maine Healthcare at Home, Portland, Maine
30 years in home health; 43 years as an
RN; Previous experience: neonatal ICU,
obstetrics/gynecology in doctor's office
