Home Infusion Therapy: A Rewarding Specialty

Autonomy. Flexibility. Variety. Satisfaction. Laurie Peterson ticks off the advantages of home infusion nursing. Best of all, says Peterson, who supervises infusion therapy at HealthEast Care System, "You meet a lot of interesting people."

Infusion therapy is the administration of medication directly into a vein. Infusion therapies include antibiotics, fluids, nutrition, chemotherapy, pain medication and supplemental iron.

Home Sweet Home

Patients can receive infusion therapy during a hospital stay or at special infusion clinics. Peterson's patients, however, receive their therapy at home.

"They're able to stay in the community close to family and friends instead of remaining in the hospital, making daily visits to the clinic or going to long-term care," she says.

Helping Patients Take Charge

Peterson's goal is to help patients learn to manage on their own. Many are initially reluctant to do so. But with careful hands-on teaching and good written directions, most can take charge of their own therapy. "They're usually amazed that they can do it themselves," Peterson says. Home infusion nurses usually visit once a week to check vital signs, change dressings, draw blood for lab tests and assess the patient's condition. Nurses also check on upcoming medical appointments and, if necessary, consult with the doctor.

Most patients receive infusion therapy for a few weeks. But for about 20 percent, therapy is life-long. "It's wonderful to work with the same people for months or years," Peterson says. "We really get to know them."

A Growing Field

According to Peterson, infusion therapy is a growing area of nursing. Hospital stays are shorter, and more therapies are being done at home. And, she notes, patients are less likely to develop infections at home than in the hospital.

Infusion therapy nurses need good people skills, as well as teaching and critical-thinking ability. Also needed is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Hospital experience is required, and home health experience is helpful. Most employers provide on-the-job training for nurses without IV experience.

The Role Of The Pharmacist

Infusion pharmacists are an essential part of the therapy team. Before dispensing the medication, pharmacists review the patient's age, weight and kidney function to assure that the dose is correct. They also work closely with the ordering doctor to recommend lab work to monitor the patient's condition. Throughout the patient's therapy, they confer with the nurse, review the lab work and provide weekly updates to the patient's physician.

Pharmacists are also available to counsel patients and answer their questions about the therapy they're receiving. "Our work is a blend of retail and hospital pharmacy," says Risa Eckardt, director of HealthEast's infusion pharmacy.

For some patients, infusion therapy is literally a lifesaver. A member of Eckardt's staff once received a holiday card from a patient receiving long-term nutritional support due to a malfunctioning digestive system. The card was decorated with small photos of her grandchildren. "I am alive today and able to enjoy them because of your care," she wrote. "Thank you."