Skilled Nursing

How It Works:

Skilled nursing services are coordinated based on physician orders and the patient’s medical condition:

• Dressing Change
  Nurses perform scheduled dressing changes using physician-directed wound care instructions while monitoring for signs of infection, drainage changes, or delayed healing.
• Treatment and Injections
  Prescribed injections and medical treatments are administered during home visits with attention to dosage instructions, scheduling, and patient response monitoring.
• Catheter Care
  Nursing staff assist with catheter maintenance, monitoring, cleaning procedures, and observation for complications that may require physician notification.
• Supervision of Medications
  Nurses review medications with patients and caregivers, monitor compliance, and provide education regarding proper administration and potential side effects.
• IV Antibiotics and IV Therapy
  Intravenous medications and fluids are administered according to physician orders while nurses monitor infusion sites, equipment, and patient tolerance during treatment.
• Blood Drawing
  Blood specimens may be collected during home visits for laboratory testing ordered by the patient’s physician as part of an ongoing medical evaluation.
• Wound Care
  Nurses assess and manage wounds through cleaning, monitoring, dressing application, and communication with physicians regarding healing progress or complications.

What to Expect

Skilled nursing care generally begins with an in-home assessment to review the patient’s medical condition, physician orders, medications, and treatment needs. Visit frequency depends on the complexity of care, the patient’s condition, and the type of skilled services required during recovery or ongoing treatment. Communication between the nurse, physician, patient, and caregiver remains an important part of monitoring changes in condition and maintaining continuity of care at home.