Home Health Nurses’ Perceptions of Safety

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to evaluate perceived safety threats and the impact of these treats on home health nurses. Background: Nurses in the home health setting have safety concerns which can be heightened when caring for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMIs). Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from a parent grounded theory study exploring home health and hospice nurse’s strategies for caring for persons with SPMIs in a home setting, however, the examples provided are not specific to persons with SPMIs alone, and provide insight into nuanced safety threats. Results: Findings included overarching themes of fear and safety. Fear within practicing nurses was a consequence of impaired safety in the home setting. The theme of safety had 2 sub-themes: risks to safety, and nursing actions to enhance safety. Conclusion: Effective training and awareness for nuanced safety concerns, such as when caring for persons with SPMIs in a home setting, are required to enhance nurse safety and retention as well as optimize patient care.