You have probably heard of the term “licensed home nurse,” but what does it even mean? and what’s the difference between a licensed and unlicensed home nurse? Today we’re going to answer all of these questions for you but first….
What Is a Home Nurse?
A home nurse, sometimes referred to as a home health nurse or health aid, is a trained medical professional who provides a range of medical and nursing services to patients in the comfort of home rather than in a hospital or clinical setting. Home nurses often work with patients who require longterm care, like elderly patients with chronic medical condition that require continuous monitoring, as well as patients requiring care for a limited period of time, like those who are recovering from surgery or a recent hospitalization.
What is a Licensed Home Nurse?
A licensed home nurse is a registered nurse, or a nursing assistant, who has undergone an evaluation process by one of the three healthcare regulators in the UAE- the Dubai Health Authority ( DHA), Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) and Ministry of Health (MOH)
In other words, a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), has completed 3-4 years of university education and obtained a bachelor’s degree, followed by years of practical experience as an RN before obtaining a license to practice nursing within the UAE.
A Nursing assistant, on the other hand, has a nursing diploma, as opposed to a bachelor’s degree, plus years of post-graduation practical experience before obtaining their UAE health license from one of the regulatory authorities. Keep in mind that these rules apply to overseas nurses. Those nurse who qualified from within the UAE have slightly different requirements for licensing.
Why Should I Opt For a Licensed Home Nurse?
As per the UAE health regulations, only licensed healthcare professionals are allowed to render medical services, whether that be at a healthcare facility, like a hospital or a clinic, or at a home care setting.
While licensed nurses might cost a bit more per month, getting one gives the peace of mind that you and your loved ones are being treated by a professional who’s been vetted and verified and found to be knowledgeable and skillful enough for independent practice.
Another advantage to having a licensed nurse is that in case of shortcomings from the professional, you can always lodge a complaint with the medical regulators with which the professional is registered, something that’s not possible with unlicensed professional.
What Can a Licensed Home Nurse Do For You?
The duties of a home nurse can vary depending on each patient’s unique needs and requirements, but here’s a general breakdown of what they might do:
Health Monitoring
They do this by periodically measuring the patient’s vital signs, including things like blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate to monitor overall health. They also look out for symptoms of infections, side effects from medications, or complications related to a patient’s disease or health condition.
Medication Management
Home nurses are responsible for administering prescribed medications – as per the doctor’s prescription- including injectables and oral tabs and capsules.
Wound Care and Dressing Changes
For patients who underwent a recent surgery or hospitalization, the home nurse can help by taking care of cleaning, dressing, and monitoring wounds or surgical sites for signs of infection or improper healing. They can also take care of conditions like pressure ulcers in long-term bedridden patients, ensuring the wound heals properly while minimizing the risk of infection.
Personal Care Assistance
Helping patients with basic tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating if they are unable to do so themselves. And, for patients who have difficulty mobilizing independently, the nurse can assist patients with moving, transferring in and out of bed or chairs, or using assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
Patient and Family Education
Teaching patients and family members how to manage conditions at home, recognize signs of complications, and understand how to use medical equipment (e.g., oxygen machines, catheters, or wound care supplies).
They also offer guidance on hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to improve health and recovery outcomes.
Palliative Care
For patients with terminal illnesses, home nurses provide help managing symptoms like pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and anxiety to make it easier for patients during this difficult time of their lives.
Continuity of Care
The licensed home nurse will remain in constant communication with the other members of the medical team, including with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare providers, to update them on the patient’s condition and progress and to make adjustment to the treatment plan as needed.
Updating the patient’s healthcare records
Keeping detailed records of the patient’s health status, treatments, medications, and progress and updating the supervising doctor should any changes take place.
What Are The Advantages of Getting A Licensed Home Nurse?
Customized Care & Comfort
In a hospital, due to the high number of patients, a nurse would be caring for multiple patients at once, which means less personalized attention and care. In contrast, home care nurses focus exclusively on one patient, tailoring the care they provide to meet their specific needs and requirements, which ensure better outcomes and faster recovery.
Higher Degree of Independence
Having a Home care nurse at home allows patients to maintain more control over their daily lives. Many patients are able to stay in their homes, and with the help of a nurse, they’re able to take care of themselves and move around with the nurse available for support as needed. The nurse will also make sure the patient stays compliant with his medication schedule while receiving proper diet and nutrition. This sense of independence will help the patient regain his health and strength faster.
Reduced Risk of Infections
Hospitals can be breeding grounds for infections due to the large number of patients and the shared spaces. By receiving their care at home, patients are at a significantly lower risk of contracting infection from the surrounding patients and environment.
Cheaper Than Hospital Care
For patients needing long-term, like palliative care, for example, receiving care at home by a licensed home nurse can be much more affordable than extended hospital stays. The level of care will be somewhat similar to that of a hospital. The nurse will remain in contact with the patient’s supervising physician with daily patient reports to ensure comfort and the highest level of clinical care.
We hope we were able to answer your questions about why a licensed home nurse might be the right choice for you and your loved ones.
Looking for a licensed home nurse in Dubai? Get a DHA-licensed nurse delivered to your home anywhere in Dubai in 60 minutes. Call or WhatsApp 0508738150 to book yours now.
