What a nurse can do at home
Injections, IV drips, dressings, catheter care and checking vital signs: what a registered nurse can do on a home visit, and what they need from you.
Written by HoMedi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Vinod Kumar, MBBS · Reg. No. APMC/FMR/97301 (Andhra Pradesh Medical Council)
Published · Last reviewed · 1 min read
Many kinds of care that once meant a trip to a clinic can be done safely at home by a registered nurse. This is especially helpful for older adults, people recovering from surgery, and anyone who finds travelling difficult.
What a nurse can help with at home
- Injections prescribed by a doctor, such as antibiotics or other regular injections
- IV drips and infusions that a doctor has prescribed and that are suitable for home
- Wound care and dressings, including after surgery
- Catheter care, and help with other tubes or drains after a hospital stay
- Checking vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, temperature and oxygen levels
- Support after discharge from hospital, following the care plan the hospital gave you
What a nurse does not do
- Nurses do not prescribe medicines. Injections and IV treatment are given only as prescribed by a doctor
- A home nursing visit is not emergency care. For chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness, call 108
How to prepare for the visit
- Keep the doctor's prescription and any discharge summary ready
- Have the prescribed medicines, dressings or supplies ready if you were asked to buy them
- Make space near the patient with good light and a clean surface
- Tell the nurse about any allergies and all medicines the person takes
Check who is coming to your home
Every nurse should be registered with their State Nursing Council. It is reasonable to ask for their name and registration details before the visit. Our guide How to check a doctor's registration in India explains how registration works for doctors, nurses and dentists.
Nurses on HoMedi
HoMedi is launching in Hyderabad to help families find independent, registered nurses who cover their locality. Each nurse sets their own fees and shows them before you book.
Questions people ask
No. A nurse gives injections and IV medicines that a doctor has prescribed. Keep the prescription ready for the visit.
No. Nurses do not prescribe. If the nurse finds something that needs a doctor's attention, they will tell you and may suggest you contact a doctor.
