The Role Of The Home Care Registered Nurse

Working as a Registered Nurse with HFN Nursing Agency is  a Challenge and a Pleasure.  I say Challenge as I must Challenge myself to be one of many Personas. 

CHALLENGE:

Firstly, I am a Nurse and therefore it is my duty to see that our Carer’s are carrying out their duties to the Standards set out by the Company.  I do Assessments on Patients and draw up a Care Plan specific to the needs of the Individual Patient.  Our Carers can then follow the Care Plan to ensure that all the Patients needs are met.

Secondly, I am the Patients’ Advocate.  In times when there are no Family members present, it is my duty to ensure that the Patient is making the right decision for himself/herself, and if  they are not able to do this, it is my duty to pass on  the requests to the relevant Family members or whoever oversees the Patients wellbeing.  On occasions it has been necessary for me to intervene between the Patient and Family members, for the good of the Patient.  The outcome thankfully has always been positive.

Thirdly, I am an Educator.  It is so sad that so many of our Patients and/or Family members do not understand their Diagnosis fully.  Many Patients are discharged from Hospital, and they do not have clear Discharge Advice.  It is my duty to therefore Educate them to the best of my ability for them to understand what they need to do in order to recuperate properly.  I will sit with the Patient and/or Family members and give advice as well as answer questions they may have.  This often takes time in teaching some Patients how to use certain devices they may need.  Giving advice on Nutrition, Exercise etc…the list goes on.

PLEASURE:

It is always such a pleasure to interact with either the Patient or Family.  To build up trust and even Friendship is so important.  To just be able to be of help, no matter how big or how small is a great feeling.  To see my Patients progressing is such a heart-warming feeling. 

Sadly, not All Patients progress, but it is still a pleasure for me to be able to assist in making their last months, weeks, days, as comfortable as possible.  Assisting the Family with the inevitable end of life of their loved ones is a process on its own, and a very necessary one. 

Vicky Evans R/N.

08.11.2022