Home infusion nursing is an in-demand field that is only going to increase in the next five years. Analysts estimate that the home infusion therapy market will reach $31.9 billion by 2022. If you’re considering a career as a home infusion therapy nurse, this is probably the time to get into the field. According to Salary.com, these nurses make between $78,254 and $93,782 annually.
But what does a home infusion nurse do? How will patients prepare themselves during the home infusion visit? What should these nurses expect when providing care?
Role of Home Infusion Nurse
Nursing Explorer suggests that nursing students who enjoy drawing blood or giving injections may enjoy home infusion nursing as a specialty. An infusion nurse gives treatment via an IV. The treatment is typically medication but may just be hydration. These nurses work everywhere from nursing homes to hospice to private homes, and it is this latter category that will see big growth in the future as more patients are given care at home.
The infusion nurse administers intravenous therapies to patients of all ages, including:
- chemotherapy;
- therapeutic phlebotomy;
- placement of central access, midline, and peripheral IV catheters; and
- immunotherapy.
The infusion nurse is also typically responsible for maintaining IV catheters and making sure no complications arise.
Because many of these patient encounters occur in a home setting, infusion nurses have an enormous responsibility to monitor patient care without immediate supervision. For nurses that prefer the intimacy of interacting with patients at home, the infusion nurse role is a good choice.
What is the Home Infusion Visit Like?
Typically, patients should have all the supplies ready for the home infusion nurse when they arrive. As part of the role, the home infusion nurse usually talks with the patient or their caregiver to be sure they’re prepared for the visit, or if they need additional supplies.
If the home infusion nurse is treating a child, care should be taken with the first treatment so the parents and child understand that installing the IV could be uncomfortable. As part of the process, the home infusion nurse will check vital signs. The visit may conclude with post-hydration while the nurse discusses any aftercare and answers questions. If the treatment is a long one, the nurse may blend into the background while the patient receives treatment.
Pros and Cons of Infusion Nursing
There are jobs in all kinds of facilities for the infusion nurse. The DailyNurse suggests one of the challenges of infusion nursing is the procedure itself, which can lend itself to severe complications such as sepsis or phlebitis. It can also be uniquely challenging when providing care in the home and with a variety of patients.
But the rewards of infusion nursing are high; the DailyNurse says hospitals actively acknowledge the benefit of this service offering as well as the impact on the bottom line. They also suggest, “The greatest reward of infusion nursing is serving patients and their families.”
Find a Home Infusion Job Today!
If you’re ready to take the plunge into infusion nursing, contact our top healthcare recruiters today to find your next career path.
