In the home health setting, a Registered Nurse is typically the first skilled clinician to visit and assess the patient (Start of Care). Our nurses respond to the patient’s potential and actual health problems, and are attuned to the whole person, and promote the restoration and maintenance of health.
Our agency uses the case management model, with an RN in charge of monitoring the overall caseload. We understand the importance of keeping the physician updated and fully informed. Weekly case conferences are conducted to ensure coordination of care. We make use and maximize our Electronic Medical Record (Allscripts Homecare) which improves efficiency and timeliness in and out on the field. Here are a few of our nurses specialties:
WOUND VAC
Our nurses are trained on Wound Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) to expedite wound healing and closure. Wound VAC therapy consists of an evacuation tube embedded in a polyurethane foam dressing. After the foam dressing is placed in the wound bed and sealed by an occlusive dressing, the tube is attached to a vacuum unit. The application of negative pressure causes the foam to collapse resulting in removal of excess fluids; increased blood flow and decreased bacterial colonization; granulation tissue formation; and wound closure.
HOME INFUSION THERAPY
Studies show that patient's heal faster when they are in comfortable, familiar settings-- like their home for example. On this note, we work intently with home infusion pharmacies and their primary care providers to come up with a plan of care specifically stating the medications prescribed, mode of infusion, duration of care, and prognosis. We have nurses who will provide you and/ or your family with the educational know-how, technical support and troubleshooting capabilities to make this phase in your road to recovery as smooth as possible.
INTRAVENOUS THERAPY
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) - the administration of nutritional substances by central intravenous infusion to patients who are either already malnourished or have the potential for developing malnutrition
- Drug Therapy–the intravenous administration of other drugs including antibiotics and antivirals
- Hydration & Supplement Therapy - the intravenous adminis tration of fluids, electrolytes, and other additives
- Catheter Care -- care for the peripheral and central line catheters in the absence of all other therapies
ENTERAL THERAPY
- Enteral Nutrition - the delivery of nutrients by tube into the gastrointestinal tract