Home health nurse

A home health nurse cares for patients in their homes, helping them with tasks that they can’t do themselves due to injury or disease, and providing relief to family members who may be primary caregivers.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$74,000

Payscale.com (Jan. 2026)

In demand

Home health nurses are highly in demand due to the rising cost of lengthy hospital stays and long-term care facilities.

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Out-of-hospital

Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

High demand

This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.

What is the role of a home health nurse?

You’ll work mostly with the elderly but sometimes with younger children who have developmental or mobility issues.

What you’ll do as a home health nurse

Assessment

You’ll examine patients, evaluate their response to treatment and monitor their progress.

Collaboration

You’ll work with patients’ families and doctors.

Education

You’ll teach patients and their families about diseases, processes, treatment and the best ways to stay healthy.

Treatment

Administer medications and IVs, change bandages and take care of wounds, help with mobility and develop treatment plans.

Where you’ll work as a home health nurse

Home health nurses primarily work in patient’s homes.

What are the day-to-day duties of a home healthcare nurse?

Carmen, BSN, RN, CLC, RNC- MNN, tells us why she would never choose to be anything other than a home healthcare nurse.

Hear more from Carmen

Video still of Carman Powell in front of hospital bed

I’m able to help their parents have some relief so they’re able to go out and do things and know that their kids and adults in some cases are being taken care of. Home healthcare nursing is unique because you don’t have anybody to kind of back you up.

Carmen, BSN, RN, CLC, RNC- MNN

Home healthcare nurse

How to become a home health nurse

Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

You’re ready to work as a home health nurse!

There isn’t a specific certification for home health nursing, but you can become a specialist by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) offers advanced courses that will help you develop new skills and move into specialized roles.