Home Health Care and Hospice Nurses

Home health care nurses, also called visiting nurses, provide home-based health care under the direction of a physician. They care for persons who are recovering from an accident, illness, surgery, cancer, or childbirth. They may work for a community organization or a private health care provider, or they may be independent nurses who work on a contract basis.

While home health care nurses care for patients expecting to recover, hospice nurses care for people who are in the final stages of a terminal illness. Typically, a hospice patient has less than six months to live. Hospice nurses provide medical and emotional support to the patients and their families and friends. Hospice care usually takes place in the patient's home, but patients may also receive hospice care in a hospital room, nursing home, or a relative's home.

Both home health care and hospice nursing professions practice a team approach in caring for their patients. Support people, such as volunteers, aides, therapists, social workers, and clergy, are often involved in the patient's care, as well as doctors.

Salary Range

$25,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Associate's Degree

Certification/License

Required

Outlook

Much Faster than the Average

Personality Traits

Helpful

Social

Technical

Career Ladder

Owner, Home Health Care Agency

Supervisor of Nurses

Home Health Care/Hospice Nurse