This article has outlined the need for clarification of home care nursing practice to retain the elements essential to professional practice. Home care that is nursing focused, based on concepts of community health nursing, and client/family centered forms the core of professional home care nursing. Technical services that are provided in the home should be clearly delineated so that consumers, payors, and practitioners can determine the roles and functions of the various providers. Professional home care, practiced not just by nursing but by all licensed providers, is practice driven. The boundaries of practice are determined by professional standards with a basis in scientific theory and research. The foundation for this type of practice is strong and should continue to be practiced in the future. Technical house call services, on the other hand, are product driven, often with a zeal for the bottom line profits that does not take into account what is the best product for a specific patient situation or how well that product has been tested. There is definitely a need for both services in delivering health care to people in their homes. It is also hoped that both areas of service can work together to facilitate the management of patient and family needs. It is important, though, to fully define the type and substance of care that is provided in the home setting. Without this ongoing clarification, home care will continue to be fragmented and interpreted differently by everyone involved.

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PubMed1987

Views on home care--nurses respond. The practice of home care nursing.

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Community Health Nursing↗

PubMed1986

Elderly services program: VNA of the Valley community health in Derby, Connecticut.

Since the inception of the mental health program in the VNA of the Valley the concept of providing elderly mental health services has evolved into a well-rounded psychogeriatric program. The growth of services have been reflected in the programs, structures, policies, staffing and number of persons served. Additionally, requests for service from physicians and families are increasing, calling for more creative ways to use the limited resource available. The placement of this service in a home health agency has been important in providing a comprehensive program and allowing all the resources of the agency to be used appropriately. It has been a great benefit to management and staff to have psychiatric nurses in the agency who are available for consultation on those cases that require mental health evaluation or intervention. The collaboration with the local community mental health center and its other affiliates has also been extremely important in assuring that the patient moves along the continuum of care necessary to meet his needs. Too often the elderly get lost in the maze of mental health services that are provided for the younger client who can be vocationally rehabilitated. The state of Connecticut has been progressive in allocating resources to provide services to this population that is indeed at risk for hospitalization and in danger of jeopardizing their quality of life and that of their families.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Home care nursing orientation model. Justification and structure.

An orientation program for new nurses in a home care agency can be an effective tool that increases job satisfaction, alleviates a potentially high employee attrition rate, boosts morale, and thereby improves overall quality of patient care.

Community Health Nursing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Home care nursing orientation model: content and strategies.

Orientation for the home healthcare nurse consists of specific content areas that are organized into a comprehensive program. The teaching strategies used to deliver the content are just as important as the information included in the orientation program.

Community Health Nursing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The new financial demands of home care management.

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Community Health Nursing↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Helping staff become more independent.

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Community Health Nursing↗