The Role of the Educator in the Home Health Agency

Abstract

The current home health environment requires staff to be organized, efficient, and cognizant of the complex regulations guiding patient care. The home health practice arena is markedly different from other practice settings, and staff new to the setting must learn many new skills to be successful. In light of the nursing shortage and decreased reimbursement for home health services, it is in the best interest of an agency to provide the resources to ensure staff success and retention. Working with other members of the management team, the educator facilitates the initial and continued development of knowledge on which effective home health practice is based. This article examines the role of the educator in three major areas: orientation, in-service education, and continuing education.