A Day in the Life of a Home Care Nurse at Gilchrist

When most people think of Gilchrist, they picture its three hospice centers, providing end-of-life care in a warm and supportive setting. What many don’t realize, however, is that Gilchrist also provides hospice care in the home, allowing patients to receive compassionate, expert care in a place that is most comfortable for them.

Home care nurses play a critical role in this mission, bringing comfort, dignity, and medical expertise to patients in their final stages of life. To better understand what it means to be a Gilchrist home care nurse, we spoke with Gina Norton, Hospice Clinical Manager, about what a typical day looks like for her team and why this role is so essential.

Providing Care Beyond the Centers

As the Hospice Clinical Manager for Gilchrist’s Home Care Birch Team, Gina oversees a dedicated group of nurses, hospice aides, social workers, and chaplains who serve patients in Baltimore County—from the Harford County line down to Sparrows Point and Fort Howard.

Many people assume hospice care only happens in an inpatient setting, but most hospice patients receive care wherever they call home. These patients still receive the full Gilchrist interdisciplinary team experience, including medical care, emotional support, and spiritual counseling, but all within the comfort of their own home. Gilchrist’s Home Care Nurses serve as case managers, overseeing each patient’s care plan, coordinating with physicians, and adjusting treatment as needed.

A Typical Day for a Gilchrist Home Care Nurse

There is no “typical” day for a Gilchrist home care nurse—each day brings unique challenges and meaningful connections. However, there is a rhythm to their work that ensures patients receive the best care possible.

The day begins early, with nurses reviewing their caseloads, checking for any changes, and calling their four to five scheduled patients to confirm visit times. Some days, the schedule may shift due to an urgent patient need, such as a sudden change in symptoms.

Upon arriving at a patient’s home, the nurse begins with a thorough assessment, checking vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition. They also:

• Listen to the patient’s concerns and discuss any changes in symptoms.
• Perform medication reconciliation, ensuring the patient has the correct dosages and prescriptions.
• Coordinate with the physician for any necessary medication adjustments.
• Educate family caregivers, showing them how to administer medications or manage symptoms.
• Assess safety concerns, such as fall hazards or medical equipment needs.
• Provide wound care or other necessary treatments.

One of the most unique and rewarding aspects of home care nursing is the ability to truly get to know the patients and families they serve. “In a hospital, nurses are constantly moving from room to room, but in home care, we have the time to sit with our patients, talk with them, and really understand what matters most to them,” Gina shares. Even simple moments—watching a favorite TV show together or looking through old photo albums—can bring comfort to patients.

Afternoon: Documentation & Coordination

Between visits, nurses document patient updates in real-time, ensuring accurate records are maintained. They also respond to triage calls, emails, and messages—addressing urgent issues or coordinating new care plans with the rest of the hospice team.

Another key responsibility is collaborating with social workers, chaplains, and hospice aides, ensuring every aspect of a patient’s well-being is addressed. Nurses must be flexible—sometimes adjusting schedules at a moment’s notice to attend an unexpected end-of-life visit or assist a patient in crisis.

What It Takes to Be a Home Care Nurse

Being a Gilchrist home care nurse is more than just a job—it’s a calling.

“It’s nursing the way it’s meant to be,” Gina says. “You’re not just treating symptoms; you’re walking alongside people at one of the most sacred times in their lives.”

While rewarding, this role requires a unique set of skills and personality traits:

• Compassion & Empathy – Patients and families are navigating an emotional journey, and they need a nurse who is both kind and understanding.
• Flexibility & Adaptability – Every day is different, and schedules can change based on patient needs.
• Independence & Problem-Solving – Home care nurses work alone much of the time, so they must be confident in their clinical skills and decision-making.
• Strong Communication Skills – Nurses coordinate care across multiple disciplines, including doctors, social workers, and family caregivers.
• Patience & Open-Mindedness – Nurses enter patients’ homes as guests, respecting their traditions, beliefs, and family dynamics.

Despite the challenges, home care nursing is deeply fulfilling. “We help patients live their best lives, for as long as they can,” Gina shares. “We help them stay comfortable at home, surrounded by their loved ones. It’s an honor to be a part of that.”

Is a Career in Home Care Nursing Right for You?

For nurses looking for meaningful work outside of a hospital setting, Gilchrist’s home care team offers an incredible opportunity.

“Nurses often fear that working in hospice will be too sad,” Gina acknowledges. “But it’s not just about dying—it’s about helping people live with dignity, comfort, and love for as long as possible.”

Gilchrist is currently hiring home care nurses! If you or someone you know is interested in joining a team that provides compassionate, life-changing care, visit gilchristcares.org/careers to learn more.