How to Become a Home Health Nurse

How to Become a Home Health Nurse

After learning the facts about how to become a home health nurse you will be better prepared to make a decision as to whether this career is right for you. A home health nurse works in the home with various patients, providing a wide array of treatments and support. The patients might be elderly, disabled, suffering from terminal illnesses, recovering from bad accidents, new mothers or any number of various other situations and categories. You need to be emotionally supportive, flexible and highly competent to enter this specialized area of nursing.

The first step to becoming a home health nurse is getting the education. Home health care nurses typically go through accredited nursing schools to get their degrees. Some home health care nurses are LVNs, or Licensed Vocational Nurses, but the things these nurses can do and the salaries they earn are somewhat limited. If you want more responsibility and higher wages, it is best to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a registered nurse. There are also specialized professional certificates such as Geriatric Care and Life Care Planning that better equip nurses for the challenges of this job.

In addition to schooling, all nurses must have supervised clinical experience before they can become registered to work in their field. A nurse who wants to go into home health care will want to get as much experience in this type of nursing as possible before making it a specialization. Continuing education is also crucial in this career. Staying abreast with the latest developments enhances patient care in any setting, but when nurses are working out of people’s homes it is particularly important that they have as much of the latest knowledge as possible.

The good news is that home health nurses are highly in demand and earning decent salaries. The current nursing shortage of approximately 10 percent makes it clear just how badly we need more nurses in this country. The average salary for home health nurses is around $50,000, and there is plenty of room for advancement, especially with more specialized training, certifications and plenty of experience in the field.

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Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy Benefits

Medicare supplement insurance policy benefits

Before knowing the span of medicare supplement policy plan, it is better to know exactly what the policy means. These types of health care plans are popularly known as Medigap insurance policy plan; this particular policy plan provides extra coverage on existing medicare health plan and covers the uncovered sectors of treatment. It bridges the gap of original insurance plan and perhaps one of the reasons it is called Medigap insurance plan. The main objective behind availing a medicare supplement plan is to secure the out-of-pockets expenses during any health emergency.

There are different types of plans available against Medigap insurance plan and according to the coverage issue the premium of Medigap policies vary largely. Medigap insurance plan is never done in group and it is valid for only one person. For example if a Medigap policy is to avail against a couple, both of them will have two separate Medigap schemes. Medigap plans are always mentioned in front of the policy paper and Medigap policies are designed as per the recommendation and provisions of State and Federal laws.

Before knowing the benefits of Medigap plans it is wise to know the other side of the coin which means which factors are not covered by this supplementary insurance policy plan. The plans like Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare advantage plans, Medicaid, benefits programs, Employers’ plan, TRICARE, and veterans’ benefits are not covered by Medigap policy coverage. Medigap policies are available different plans and it is therefore recommended to know the available plans from your health insurance agents.

Although the benefits of Medigap insurance plans largely differ from one service provider to another and according to policy premium range, the common benefits of basic Medigap insurance plans are described here.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies are the only authorized points that can sell you a Medigap policy. However, the benefits and coverage will differ from one plan to other but each standardized policy will offer same array of benefits irrespective of its provider. The basic benefits of Medigap policies are Medicare Part A Coinsurance, Copayment or Coinsurance related to Medicare part-B, Blood cost up to first three pints, Hospital costs up to an additional 365 days post-medicare benefits, Coinsurance related to skilled Nursing facility expenses, copayment or Coinsurance for Part A Hospice Care, etc. Additionally, there is other coverage within Medigap insurance plans like deductible Medicare Part-A, part-B, part-B excess charge, health emergency during foreign travel, recovery expenses at home, part-B Medicare Preventive Care coinsurance, and list of preventive cares not covered by medicate original policy.

In this context it is also important to know about the factors which are not covered by Medigap insurance plans irrespective of the availed plan. These are long-term care in nursing homes, optical and dental care, costs of hearing aids, expenses incurred for eyeglasses, the cost covered by private-duty nursing facility or arrangements.

Medigap plan is quite intricate health care plan. Therefore it is always recommended to contact any reputable insurance representative of any Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies to learn about the best available in your residing state as well as the best plan in accordance to your existing original health insurance plan.

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About the Author

Best Medigap insurance, Medigap insurance plans and Medigap Health Insurance Plans available here.

How to Care for a Catheter

HOW TO CARE FOR A CATHETER

To care for an indwelling catheter, cleanse the urethral area (where the catheter exits the body) and the catheter itself with soap and water every day. Also thoroughly cleanse the area after all bowel movements to prevent infection.

If you have a suprapubic catheter, the opening in your belly and the tube must be cleansed daily with soap and water, then covered with dry gauze.

Drinking plenty of fluids can help prevent infections. Discuss this issue with your health care provider.

Wash your hands before and after handling the drainage device. Do not allow the outlet valve to touch anything. If the outlet becomes obviously dirty, clean it with soap and water.

Some people have occasional leakage of urine around the catheter. This may be caused by a catheter that is too small, improper balloon size, constipation, urinary tract infections, or bladder spasms.

If bladder spasms occur or there is no urine in the drainage bag, the catheter may be blocked by blood or thick sediment. Or, there may be a kink in the catheter or drainage tubing. Sometimes spasms are caused by the catheter irritating the bladder. Such spasms can be controlled with medication, although most patients eventually adjust to the irritation and the spasms go away. If you have been shown how to irrigate (or flush) the catheter, doing so may help reduce spasms. If you have not been instructed on irrigation, and urine is not flowing into your collection device, contact your health care provider immediately.

www.nlm.nih.gov

Home Care : Breast Pain

Home Care

For tips on how to manage pain from fibrocystic breasts, see breast lumps.

Certain birth control pills may help relieve breast pain. Ask your doctor if this therapy is right for you.

If you have a breast infection, you may need antibiotics. Look for symptoms of infection such as redness in the area, nipple discharge, or fever. Contact your doctor if you have these symptoms.

If you have a breast injury, immediately apply a cold compress such as an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth -- don't apply directly to the skin) for 15 to 20 minutes. Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen to reduce your chance of developing persistent breast pain or swelling.
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www.nlm.nih.gov

Home Care : Nausea and Vomiting

Home Care

It is important to stay hydrated. Try frequent, small amounts of clear liquids, such as electrolyte solutions. Other clear liquids -- such as water, ginger ale, or fruit juices -- also work unless the vomiting is severe or it is a baby who is vomiting.

For breast-fed babies, breast milk is usually best. Formula-fed babies usually need clear liquids.

Don't drink too much at one time. Stretching the stomach can make nausea and vomiting worse. Avoid solid foods until there has been no vomiting for six hours, and then work slowly back to a normal diet.

An over-the-counter bismuth stomach remedy like Pepto-Bismol is effective for upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. Because it contains aspirin-like salicylates, it should NOT be used in children or teenagers who might have (or recently had) chickenpox or the flu.

Most vomiting comes from mild viral or food-related illnesses. Nevertheless, if you suspect the vomiting is from something serious, the person may need to be seen immediately by a medical professional.

If you have morning sickness during pregnancy, ask your doctor about the many possible treatments.

The following may help treat motion sickness:

* Lying down
* Over-the-counter antihistamines (such as Dramamine)
* Scopolamine prescription skin patches (such as Transderm Scop) are useful for extended trips, such as an ocean voyage. Place the patch 4 - 12 hours before setting sail. Scopolamine is effective but may produce dry mouth, blurred vision, and some drowsiness. Scopolamine is for adults only. It should NOT be given to children.

www.nlm.nih.gov

Home Care : Diarrhea

Home Care

• Drink plenty of fluid to avoid becoming dehydrated. Start with sips of any fluid other than caffeinated beverages. Milk may prolong loose stools, but also provides needed fluids and nourishment. Drinking milk may be fine for mild diarrhea. For moderate and severe diarrhea, electrolyte solutions available in drugstores are usually best.


• Active cultures of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) make diarrhea less severe and shorten its duration. Probiotics can be found in yogurt with active or live cultures and in supplements.


• Foods like rice, dry toast, and bananas can sometimes help with diarrhea.


• Avoid over-the-counter antidiarrhea medications unless specifically instructed to use one by your doctor. Certain infections can be made worse by these drugs. When you have diarrhea, your body is trying to get rid of whatever food, virus, or other bug is causing it. The medicine interferes with this process.


• Get plenty of rest.

If you have a chronic form of diarrhea, like the one caused by irritable bowel syndrome, try adding bulk to your diet -- to thicken the stool and regulate bowel movements. Such foods include fiber from whole-wheat grains and bran. Psyllium-containing products such as Metamucil or similar products can also add bulk to stools.

www.nlm.nih.gov

Diabetes - taking care of your feet

Diabetes can damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This damage can cause numbness and reduce feeling in your feet. As a result, your feet may not heal well if they are injured. If you get a blister, you may not notice, and it may get worse.

Check your feet every day. Inspect the top, sides, soles, heels, and between the toes. Look for:

• Dry and cracked skin
• Blisters or sores
• Bruises or cuts
• Redness, warmth, or tenderness
• Firm or hard spots

If you cannot see well, ask someone else to check your feet.

Call your doctor right way about any foot problems. Do not try to treat them yourself first. Even small sores or blisters can become big problems if infection develops or they do not heal.

Wash your feet every day with lukewarm water and mild soap. Strong soaps may damage the skin.

• Check the temperature of the water with your hands or elbow first.
• Gently dry your feet, especially between the toes.
• Use lotion, petroleum jelly, lanolin, or oil on dry skin. Do NOT put lotion between your toes.

Ask your health care provider to show you how to trim your toenails.

• Soak your feet in lukewarm water to soften the nail before trimming.
• Cut the nail straight across, because curved nails are more likely to become ingrown.
• Your foot doctor (podiatrist) can trim your nails if you are unable to.

Most people with diabetes should have corns or calluses treated by a foot doctor. If your doctor has given you permission to treat corns or calluses on your own:

• Gently use a pumice stone to remove corns and calluses after a shower or bath, when your skin is soft.
• Do NOT use medicated pads or try to shave or cut them away at home.

If you smoke, stop. Smoking decreases blood flow to your feet. Talk with your doctor or nurse if you need help quitting.

Do not use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your feet. Do not walk barefoot, especially on hot pavement or hot sandy beaches. Remove your shoes and socks during visits to your health care provider so that they can check your feet.

Source : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000081.htm