Career Spotlight: Home Health Professionals
- Category: Careers
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Did you know Valley Health extends its care beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics into the comfort of patients' homes? Today, we're spotlighting a few members of our home health team to learn more about what it means to work in the field of Home Health.
Learn more about their experiences on the road to wellness—making a difference with every visit—and about the unique benefits of working in home health care at Valley Health.
Meet Katie, Home Health Physical Therapist
What does a typical workday look like for you?
It is a fast-paced job that allows me to use a variety of skill sets. Working in Home Health involves a lot of travel to patients and documentation, but each day, I get to work one-on-one with my patients in their home environment to encourage a functional change and improve their quality of life. What we do can sometimes mean the difference in a patient regaining the ability to walk.
What type of patients do you see?
I care for various patients, from post-op joint replacements, neurological conditions such as strokes or multiple sclerosis, deconditioned older adults, and occasionally patients with post-trauma or motor vehicle accidents.
What do you like most about working at Valley Health and in Home Health?
Our dynamic team and diverse personnel. We have great managers and a company that cares about its employees. What I like about working in home health are the challenges each day presents, unlike any other setting I've worked in. I never know what each day may bring. My position requires me to have a diverse set of skills to individualize care specific to each patient’s needs and challenges.
Meet Barbara, Home Health RN at Valley Health
Why did you decide to switch from nursing in a hospital setting to home health?
After spending several years in the fast-paced environment of hospitals, I found myself seeking a change that would offer me a different set of opportunities and challenges. Home health nursing provided the autonomy I craved, allowing me to make decisions based on my expertise. Additionally, the prospect of building close relationships with patients and seeing the direct impact of my care over time was appealing.
What do you like most about working in home health?
One of the most rewarding aspects of home health is the personalized care we're able to provide. Home health allows for focused attention on one individual at a time.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My workload varies, but on average, I see between three to five patients a day. Each visit is tailored to the specific needs of the patient, whether it's a routine check-up or a new admission requiring comprehensive care.
What are the perks to being a home health nurse?
What sets home health apart is the flexibility in scheduling, allowing for a better work-life balance. It's a career that not only fulfills me professionally, but also allows me to lead a balanced and fulfilling life outside of work.
Are you interested in learning more or applying to a home health position?
Valley Health currently has openings for home health positions in the following professions:
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Speech Pathologist
- Physical Therapist