For medically complex families, having a reliable home health nurse can be life-changing. But in a world where nurses are in short supply—and home health has its own set of challenges—families often ask:
“How can we keep the good nurses once we find them?”
While it’s not your job to manage staff or fix the healthcare system, there are simple things families can do to make their home a place where nurses feel respected, supported, and valued.
Here are practical tips to help you attract and retain amazing home health nurses—and build lasting, collaborative relationships.
🧼 1. Keep the Care Space Clean and Organized
Nurses are responsible for delivering safe, sterile care—especially with trachs, vents, feeding tubes, and central lines. A clean environment isn’t about impressing anyone; it’s about safety and respect.
Wipe down medical surfaces regularly
Keep supplies off the floor
Clear clutter from pathways and around medical equipment
Store emergency and daily-use supplies in clearly labeled bins
💡 Pro Tip: Consider designating a “nurse station” with a small table, drawer unit, and access to PPE.
🧍♀️ 2. Define the Nurse’s Role (and Respect Boundaries)
Make sure everyone in the home understands:
What the nurse is responsible for (vitals, meds, suctioning, feeding)
What the nurse isn’t responsible for (household chores, sibling care, errands)
Being clear from the beginning helps prevent burnout and confusion—for both sides.
✍️ Tip: Consider creating a short “welcome sheet” or shift expectations guide for new nurses.
💬 3. Communicate Clearly and Respectfully
Nurses want feedback—but they also want to feel safe and respected.
Be honest about what works and what doesn’t, but use kind, clear language
Avoid correcting in front of others unless urgent
Offer praise when it’s deserved—everyone wants to feel appreciated
Ask how they prefer to receive feedback (during shift or after)
🤝 Think of it as a partnership—you’re both working toward the same goal: your child’s well-being.
☕ 4. Be Welcoming—But Professional
It’s okay to build rapport and connection, but many nurses also value boundaries.
Offer a warm “Good morning!” or “How was your weekend?”
Let them know where to find coffee, water, or a quiet space
Avoid oversharing or placing emotional burdens on them—nurses are compassionate, but they’re also professionals
🎉 Celebrating birthdays or work anniversaries with a small card or treat can go a long way.
🧩 5. Stay Flexible With Scheduling When Possible
We know: It’s not always easy to be flexible—especially if you’re exhausted. But families who are open to:
Slight time adjustments
Shift swaps or occasional breaks
Job-sharing or splitting cases with another nurse
tend to keep more consistent coverage.
🕒 Agencies and nurses often prioritize cases with flexible, communicative families when assigning shifts.
📦 6. Keep Supplies Stocked and Accessible
Running out of suction catheters or gloves mid-shift is frustrating and risky.
Keep a weekly inventory checklist
Label drawers clearly for quick access
Ask your nurse if there’s anything missing or hard to find
Contact your DME company promptly when restocks are needed
🛠 Make it easy for nurses to do their job well—they’ll notice.
🤍 7. Express Appreciation
You don’t need grand gestures—just consistent gratitude.
A simple “Thank you for everything you do” at the end of shift
A handwritten note during Nurse Appreciation Week
Letting them know how their care has impacted your family
❤️ Feeling seen and appreciated can make the difference between a nurse who stays—and one who walks.
📞 8. Maintain Good Communication With the Nursing Agency
Just as communication with your nurse is vital, so is staying in touch with their employer or third-party nursing agency. These teams handle scheduling, nurse supervision, training, payroll, and compliance—so being proactive and professional with them can help keep your case running smoothly.
Notify the agency about any concerns (e.g., absences, late arrivals, clinical issues)
Provide feedback—both positive and constructive—so they know what’s working
Confirm schedules in writing when possible
Let them know your preferred communication method (email, phone, text)
🏥 Agencies often prioritize families who are responsive, respectful, and collaborative—especially when assigning limited nursing staff.
🌟 Final Thought: Create a Place Where Nurses Want to Be
Nurses have options. And when they feel respected, trusted, and welcomed in your home—and supported by their agency through your partnership—they’re more likely to stay. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be willing to partner and create an environment built on safety, kindness, and communication.
💬 Already have an amazing nurse? Share this post with your network to help other families build strong home health teams too.