How to Become a Home Health Care Nurse

By Michael V. Gruber, MPH
Home Health Care Nursing Information and Overview

Home health care is allowing the patient and their family to maintain dignity and independence. According to the National Association for Home Care, there are more than 7 million individuals in the United States in need of home health care nurse services because of acute illness, long term health problems, permanent disability or terminal illness.

Home Health Care Basics

Nurses practice in a number of venues: Hospital settings, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home health care. Home health care nursing is a growing phenomenon as more patients and their families desire to receive care in their homes.   The history of home health care stems from Public Health Nursing where public health nurses made home visits to promote health education and provide treatment as part of community outreach programs. Today academic programs train nurses in home care and agencies place home health care nurses with ailing individuals and their families depending on the nurse's experience and qualifications. In many cases there is a shared relationship between the agency and the academic institution.  

Many changes have taken place in the area of home health care. These include Medicare and Medicaid, and Long Term Care insurance reimbursement and documentation. It is important for the nurse and nursing agency to be aware of the many factors involved for these rules and regulations resulting from these organizations. Population and demographic changes are taking place as well. Baby boomers approaching retirement and will present new challenges for the home health care industry. Technology and medical care in hospitals has lead to shorter inpatient stay and more at-home rehabilitation. Increases in medical outpatient procedures are also taking place with follow-up home care. This has resulted in the decrease of mortality rate from these technologies and medical care has lead to increases in morbidity and chronic illness that makes the need for home health care nursing a greater priority.  

Next » Home Health Care Nurse Job Description

Become a Certified Home Health Care Nurse

Explore these accredited online home health care nurse opportunities below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you. We recommend getting information from several so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

University of Phoenix Nursing

Nursing Health Care Education Certificate

This certificate is designed for health care and nursing professionals interested in pursuing careers in educational or service settings. full degree description

Penn Foster Career School

Occupational Therapy Aide

Utilizing a self-care framework, working registered nurses are prepared as generalists who are able to apply progressional skills and knowledge to nursing, client, and health care systems. full degree description

Kaplan University Online

Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness

Many approaches to health and wellness are explored, integrating the mind, body, and spirit. You'll learn to critically evaluate the scientific literature and research in wellness, prevention, and complementary health care; then discover how to use this knowledge to educate individuals and communities. full degree description

University of Cincinnati

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Midwifery

This distance education program is accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), Division of Accreditation. It is designed to help prospective nurse midwives enter this rapidly growing field. full degree description