Skilled Nursing Services

The role of the community health nurse in today's society is a complex one. Addison County Home Health and Hospice's community health nurse acts as a referral source, patient advocate and liaison between the patient, physician and the larger health care community. Our aim is to design a comprehensive plan of care which will meet the needs of an individual, enabling our patient to return to the highest level of function and wellness possible.

In light of the wide spectrum of medical needs presented by our patients, the ability of the nurse to identify and solve complex clinical issues in coordination with the primary and specialty physician is key. Skills that today's community health nurses possess are sound knowledge of pathophysiology, physical assessment skills, psychosocial assessment skills, pharmacology and technical drug delivery methods as well as the ability to provide excellent hands-on-care.

Infusion Therapy Services

In the past, people who required medications or treatments to be administered intravenously had no choice but to remain in a hospital for many weeks or months. Today it is possible for us to provide skilled home care services to anyone requiring intravenous medications or special treatments such as total parenteral nutrition. This availability enables our patients to leave the hospital and begin to function at home weeks or months sooner. Our nurses are certified to administer IV medication, care for a variety of devices, and teach patients requiring infusion therapy. The medical implications of infusion therapy and the underlying reason for the IV therapy are complex, and our nurses provide the clinical skills of assessment, care, and teaching as well as coordination with the physician. Our program is overseen by a nationally certified infusion RN (CRNI) who is a member of our home care staff.