If you’re considering a career in health care, or you’re a nurse in a hospital or medical practice looking to make a change, a career as an in-home nurse can offer independence and flexibility you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some of the most common questions people have about working as a nurse for a home care agency.

A Guide to In-Home Nurse Careers

1. What Kind of Schedule Does a Home Care Nurse Keep?

Your schedule is up to you. An in-home nurse can choose to work as many or as few hours as they want. This is ideal for parents who want to work while their kids are in school or for hospital nurses who want to supplement their income. Many nurses choose home care because they love the flexible scheduling.

2. Will I Work Independently?

Yes! In-home nursing is an excellent career move for nurses who are self-motivated and enjoy working independently because you will work on your own in the patient’s home. If the hands-on work of being a nurse appeals to you, in-home care is the perfect opportunity for your skills to shine.

3. Will I Have Training Opportunities?

Yes! You will take a mandatory home care class, but an entire course catalog is open to you for professional development. Many of their patients require a ventilator, so it’s recommended that you take a class regarding it.

You’ll also shadow a nurse who is managing a case you can take over as part of an in-the-field orientation process. Some nurses shadow more than one nurse to find the right fit and make a smooth transition into a home.

You can rest assured you’ll find the support you need with a 24/7 on-call nurse line where you can connect to a case coordinator who can answer questions about a case.

4. Is In-Home Nursing Rewarding?

Being an in-home nurse is emotionally rewarding because you have the opportunity to forge a connection with the patients you care for. It can also be financially rewarding, as you take on more complex cases and participate in on-going education that results in additional nursing credentials.

J&D Ultracare in Suffern, NY, is the Hudson Valley’s only home health care agency devoted to pediatric health care. With health benefits, weekly paychecks, and professional development opportunities, J&D Ultracare is the ideal place to launch or advance your nursing career. If you find caring for children rewarding, and you’re seeking a career with one of the region’s most respected nursing staff agencies, call (845) 357-4500 or send a message online to learn about in-home nurse opportunities.