Connecting New Nurses and Home Care

Abstract

Home health providers have traditionally held that nurses must have a minimum of 1 year of experience before considering becoming a home health nurse. As the number of nurses working continues to lag behind the number of nurses needed, home health agencies may want to reconsider their stance on hiring newly licensed registered nurses (RNs). This article explores the current and projected shortage of nurses. Establishing partnerships between nursing education programs and home health agencies can create a win-win situation for all concerned. Ideas for developing effective partnerships are discussed. Home health agencies are encouraged to consider ways in which they can develop new nurses in home health through a variety of strategies.