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How to Become a Home Health Care Nurse

Training and continuing education

Most home health care nurses gain their education through accredited nursing schools throughout the country with an associate degree in nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN), or a master's degree in nursing (MSN). According to the United States Department of Labor, in 2004 there were 674 BSN nursing programs, 846 ADN programs. Also, in 2004, there were 417 master's degree programs, 93 doctoral programs, and 46 joint BSN-doctoral programs. The associate degree program takes 2 to 3 years to complete, while bachelors degrees take 4 years to complete. Nurses can also earn specialized professional certificates online in Geriatric Care or Life Care Planning.

In addition, for those nurses who choose to pursue advancement into administrative positions or research, consulting, and teaching, a bachelor's degree is often essential. A bachelor's degree is also important for becoming a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (U.S. Department of Labor, 2004).

All home health care nurses have supervised clinical experience during their training, but as stated earlier advanced practicing nurses hold master's degrees and unlike bachelor and associate degrees, they have a minimum of two years of post clinical experience. Course work includes anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, and behavioral sciences and liberal arts. Many of these programs have training in nursing homes, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics. (U.S. Dep. of Labor, 2004).

Whether a nurse is training in a hospital, nursing facility, or home care, continuing education is necessary. Health care is changing rapidly and staying abreast with the latest developments enhances patient care and health procedures. Universities, continuing education programs, and internet sites, all offer continuing education. One such organization that provides continuing education is the American Nurses Association (ANA) or through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Conclusion

There are many rewards to becoming a home health care nurse. Some rewards include the relationship with a patient and their family, autonomy, independence, and engaging in critical thinking. The 21st Century brings with it many opportunities and challenges. We must meet these challenges head on - there is an aging baby boomer population, a growing morbidity factor due to increased medical technology and patient care, and the growing shortage in nursing care.

Becoming a home health care nurse today is exciting and an opportunity to make a difference one life at a time. With clinical experience and proper education, a home health care nurse will lead the future of medical care.

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

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Article by Michael V. Gruber, MPH - Science and medicine are my passion and writing
takes center stage. A contributor to medical blogs with a Masters of Public Health and two years of medical school, a hobby to benefit my financial planning position. Reach me at mgrubermph at hotmail.com