Caring for infants, children, and their families during hard times is a meaningful, rewarding, and important responsibility. Often, those who pursue a career in pediatric nursing feel called to help this age group. The role of a pediatric home health nurse is a bit different from other pediatric jobs because rather than just helping babies and kids when they need hospitalization or routine check-ups, a home health nurse gets the chance to invest in the lives of their patients and help them achieve health milestones. If you are considering a career in the medical field relating to children, learn more about the responsibilities of a pediatric home health nurse to figure out if it is a good fit for you.
What does a pediatric home health nurse do?
A day in the life of a home health nurse will vary depending on the patient’s needs. These nurses care for medically fragile newborns, toddlers, children, and adolescents. The FDA considers 21 to be the cap-off age. Pediatric home health is skilled nursing care that is given in the comfort of a child’s home. The amount of care a child requires depends on their condition and their family’s capacity to care for them, so in some cases, a patient might only need a few hours of care each day, while other patients need assistance almost every hour of the day.
This type of nursing can sometimes be viewed as an extension of the nursing care a child receives in neonatal intensive care (NICU). Pediatric home health nurses make informed observations, chart progress and setbacks for doctors and specialists to review, administer medical treatments and medication, and even provide caregivers with education. Establishing a plan of care and helping create a structured routine are two very important tasks of pediatric home health nurses that empower families and help them establish a sense of normalcy.
Related Post: What Is Pediatric Private Duty Nursing?
What are the benefits of being a pediatric home health nurse?
Being a home health nurse allows you to deeply improve the lives of your young patients. Sometimes your main role will be to help chronically ill children live out the rest of their days in as much comfort as possible. At times, you will witness first-hand how much of an impact your dedication has made in the life of an infant or child who has had a difficult start in life. You may also be able to improve daily life for a child’s caregiver, equipping them with the knowledge they need to help the child.
Pediatric home health nurses are typically paid well for their expertise and hard work. In addition, these medical professionals usually receive premier health, dental, and life insurance policies. Job security is an added benefit because there will always be children and families who need caring nurses. Finally, receiving enough hours from an employer is usually not an issue in this field.
Can I become a pediatric home health nurse at Phoenix Home Care & Hospice?
Taking on the role of a pediatric home health nurse is an important and meaningful undertaking. If you live in southwest Missouri and are interested in becoming a pediatric home health nurse, visit the Phoenix Home Care and Hospice Career Center, contact us online, or call 1-855-881-7442. If you choose to join Phoenix, you will be in the company of dedicated professionals that provide a wide range of services. We love meeting people who have a passion for home health care, because it is our goal to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients.
