Pentec Health's specialty care nurses are at the heart of providing complex care. In recognition of National Nurses Month, members of our nursing team reflect on their experiences in the field and what led them to specialize in home infusion and intrathecal therapies. From completing our ANCC-accredited Specialty Care Fellowship Program to building meaningful relationships with patients, these clinicians share their perspectives on providing high-quality, patient-centered care in the home.
Read on to hear firsthand from the clinical experts who support our patients every day.
What inspired you to become a specialty care nurse and what drew you to Pentec Health?
Leslie R. (BSN, RN):
I was inspired to become a specialty care nurse by the opportunity to care for complex patients and make a meaningful impact on their quality of life. I was drawn to Pentec Health because of its focus on advanced therapies, patient-centered care, and the support and education it provides to help nurses grow and deliver high-quality, specialized care.
Lesley B. (RN):
What interested me the most about specialty infusion is that it is highly clinical; you have the opportunity to combine skills, patience, and compassion for your patients in a way that allows you to know them. You are not just treating them. It's more long-term. What drew me to Pentec 8 years ago was the job itself and the flexibility with work-life balance.
Octavia G. (Infusion Specialist, RN):
I was drawn to specialty care because I enjoy supporting patients with complex needs and building ongoing relationships. Pentec Health stood out to me because of its strong focus on patient-centered, home-based care and its commitment to clinical excellence.
How has completing Pentec's ANCC-accredited Specialty Care Fellowship Program impacted your day-to-day clinical practice and confidence?
John B. (BSN, RN):
Pentec's Specialty Care Fellowship Program is thorough and does not leave new fellows on their own. It gives them resources to ask questions and bounce-off ideas.
Leslie R. (BSN, RN):
Completing Pentec’s ANCC-accredited Specialty Care Fellowship Program has strengthened my clinical practice by deepening my knowledge, improving my critical thinking, and enhancing my ability to manage complex patients safely. It has increased my confidence in decision-making, troubleshooting, and providing high-quality, patient-centered care in my day-to-day practice.
Bill R. (BSN, RN):
Targeted drug delivery is such a specialized area of nursing that a thorough and fully immersive training program is both needed and welcomed. Everything we do on a daily basis is built upon the firm foundation that the Specialty Care Fellowship Program provides. It allows me to take specialized skills needed in this field and uniquely apply them to my nursing style in order to provide the highest quality patient-centered care possible. We treat patients like people while also meeting their complex medical needs.
Lesley B. (RN):
After completing the Specialty Care Fellowship Program, you definitely feel more confident in your job as an infusion nurse, you learn techniques, as well as troubleshooting to help with job completion. Also, our mentorship is very impactful for nurses to have a seasoned nurse who they can trust to assist with questions or share frustrations with.
Steven S. (RN):
The Specialty Care Fellowship Program has allowed me to do my job with confidence when I am in a remote setting.
Octavia G. (Infusion Specialist, RN):
Completing the Specialty Care Fellowship Program strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of intrathecal therapy, which has made me more confident and efficient in my day-to-day practice. It’s helped me provide safer, more consistent care while feeling well supported clinically.
In your experience, how does receiving treatments at home, eliminating the burden of travel and waiting rooms, directly affect a patient's quality of life and overall healing?
John B. (BSN, RN):
Many of my patients are incredibly uncomfortable with travel. The region I work in has few providers and great distances. It alleviates a lot of anxiety for my patients knowing that the care will come to them.
Leslie R. (BSN, RN):
Receiving care at home doesn’t just make treatment more convenient—it supports a more holistic, patient-centered approach that can lead to better adherence, improved emotional well-being, and more effective healing.
Bill R. (BSN, RN):
It's a huge blessing for people whose schedules are often already overburdened with countless appointments while carrying the weight of managing their chronic conditions. It allows people a brief respite from their daily battles and allows them to focus on enjoying their lives.
Lesley B. (RN):
There are so many benefits for patients having treatment at home. First, it’s very convenient for patients to be treated at home, it removes the frustration of driving to visits and waiting rooms, allowing for a more routine life and schedule. It also allows patients to be in the comfort of their home and in a familiar environment, with personal support systems, especially for children and hepatic artery infusion (HAI) patients. I also believe it fosters a more personal relationship and may help patients relax and open up, allowing for better patient outcomes.
Steven S. (RN):
Treatment at home is life-changing for these patients. Some have very limited access to transportation, not to mention the difficulty they have with impaired mobility.
Octavia G. (Infusion Specialist, RN):
Receiving treatment at home reduces stress, fatigue, and disruption to daily life, allowing patients to focus on healing rather than logistics. It often improves comfort, adherence to therapy, and overall quality of life.
If you could give one piece of advice to a patient who is just starting their home infusion journey with Pentec Health, what would it be?
John B. (BSN, RN):
Understand that intrathecal therapy is not going to be an immediate cure. Our team works collaboratively to help find the right medication and dosage.
Leslie R. (BSN, RN):
Stay engaged in your care, ask questions, communicate openly, and don’t hesitate to speak up about any concerns. The more involved you are, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel, which helps ensure a smoother and more successful treatment experience at home.
Bill R. (BSN, RN):
Give it time! The adjustment process can take time, but we’re here to support you and will work closely with your provider to help you reach a better place.
Lesley B. (RN):
I would encourage the patient to give the treatment a chance, and know we are here to advocate for them, and work closely with the provider for the best patient outcomes.
Steven S. (RN):
Relax and know you are in great hands.
Octavia G. (Infusion Specialist, RN):
My advice would be to trust the process and ask questions along the way. You’re supported by a dedicated care team focused on your comfort, safety, and success at home.
Ashley D. (RN):
Don’t be afraid to confide in your home health nurse and utilize us. The dedication of our nursing team highlights our commitment to clinical excellence and patient support. As these nurses shared, starting a new home infusion treatment takes time and patience, but patients are never alone in the process. With a dedicated care team focused on comfort and safety, we are here to advocate for every individual and work closely with providers to achieve the best possible outcomes.
To read more about our home infusion services and how our specialty care nurses can help, please reach out to our team today.
