What are the qualifications to work in home care?

Posted: 11/12/2020 8:00 AM by Interim HealthCare
The home care industry is getting a lot of attention nowadays, with many older and high-risk individuals sheltering in place, and with the increased desire for many Americans to stay happy and healthy at home. At the same time, millions of Americans are looking for new career opportunities, and few industries are showing as much growth and momentum as the home care industry. 

There's a lot to think about! And November is actually National Home Care and Hospice Month, which means it's the perfect time to talk about qualifications for a home care career.

With so much interest in a home care career right now, you may be wondering what it takes to thrive in this rewarding industry. More specifically, you may be wondering about the qualifications needed to successfully enter and advance your career in home care. 

Whether you're looking to transition from another career or job, or you're a healthcare professional ready to pivot into a home health role, let's take a look at some of the most important qualifications needed to work in home care.


Qualifications you'll need for a successful home care career 

There is plenty of room for new members of the home health care industry -- we are happy to welcome you! And although many of the qualifications are consistent regardless of your specific role, let's take an individual look at some of the most important qualifications needed for those individuals who are changing careers, and those who are pivoting from another healthcare job.

New to home care? 

Now is the perfect time to change careers and start the next chapter of your story in home care. Among our thousands of team members across the country, there are many professionals who began their careers in industries like hospitality, restaurants and customer service. 

And they quickly learned what you'll also discover -- you are MADE for a career in home care! If you're interested in joining this rewarding, growing field as a member of the Interim HealthCare team, here are just a few of the qualifications that will come in handy: 

> A willingness to learn. 

While just about anyone can transition into a home care career, there is a lot to learn! Here at Interim HealthCare, we provide initial and continued training to help you begin, continue and advance your career. You just need a willingness to learn. 

> Compassion. Home care provides essential services to individuals in their homes. There are few things that are more personal, and important, to the health and happiness of our neighbors in the community. And when you join the Interim HealthCare team, that's exactly who you'll be helping - your neighbors!

What an amazing, profoundly moving opportunity!

If you're coming from another industry like hospitality or customer service, you likely have the personality traits and qualifications needed to connect with others. In a home care career, you'll take it a step further. Many of the patients you'll be meeting have health conditions or challenges. They may be stressed or scared (or both!). And you'll need compassion to understand their perspective when you provide care. 

Compassion is an innate part of who we are as human beings. But, for people who work in home care, compassion is a core personality trait as well.

> A pull toward caregiving. This one is hard to explain, but if you know, you KNOW.  We hear so frequently from members of our team that they are simply drawn toward serving others. They are natural caregivers. Maybe as children or young adults, they helped provide care for a sick loved one. Or perhaps they are the "one person" in their family or group of friends who everyone goes to for a sympathetic ear or for some help. 

Whatever you want to call it, when you have that knack and that draw toward caring, it's a powerful differentiator, motivator and yes, qualification in your home care career. 

Coming from another healthcare job? 

You're a savvy healthcare veteran looking for more flexibility and one-on-one patient interaction. We can't wait for you to join our team! Nurses, CNAs, therapists and other healthcare professionals who pivot into a successful home health career most often possess these core qualifications:

> Experience. If you're a healthcare veteran, you have had a wealth of experiences with patients and circumstances that have prepared you for what seems like anything. You've seen it all! Working in a hospital, private practice or other setting has prepared you for the unique situations and opportunities that will present themselves in home care. 

> A desire to connect. There are MANY healthcare veterans on our team across the country who initially pivoted into home health care, in part, because they craved more one-on-one connection and relationships with patients. In more traditional healthcare settings, it can be difficult-to-impossible to foster and nurture those kinds of patient relationships. 

In home care, your days are ALL ABOUT those relationships and connections! You'll be caring for patients in their homes. Hearing their stories. Sharing their joys and sorrows. It's incredibly powerful and rewarding. 


You are MADE for a home care career with Interim HealthCare!

We're pretty confident that if you've read this far, you have got what it takes to thrive in a home care career with Interim HealthCare. Now it's time to see for yourself. Search our open home care jobs now to see what's available in your area and start the application process. We can't wait to meet you!