What is the primary provider of skilled nursing services in a home health setting?

In a home health setting, the primary provider of skilled nursing services is a registered nurse. Registered nurses have the education and clinical training necessary to perform comprehensive assessments, develop individualized care plans, administer medications, provide wound care, and educate patients and their families about managing health conditions. They ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care by evaluating health status and responding to any changes in the patient’s condition.

In contrast to other roles, such as licensed practical nurses or home health aides, registered nurses hold a higher level of responsibility and are equipped to handle complex medical needs. While licensed practical nurses can assist with some nursing tasks, they operate under the supervision of registered nurses and do not provide the full range of skilled services independently. Home health aides, on the other hand, focus primarily on personal care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), rather than skilled nursing tasks. Pharmacists, while essential in medication management, do not deliver direct nursing care in the home health environment. Thus, registered nurses are the key providers responsible for skilled nursing services in home health care.