In-Home Clinical Procedures

What Home Nurses Do Updated March 31, 2026

In-Home Clinical Procedures

Nurses perform specialized health procedures. Some procedures require an RN and many procedures require a doctor’s order for the RN or LPN to follow. Home nursing procedures are typically only appropriate for well known chronic conditions in non-emergency circumstances. Home nursing is NOT an emergency service or a diagnostic service. For emergencies call 911. If you do not have a doctor make sure you have signed up with the BC Health Connect Registry to be placed with one or call 811 to reach the BC Health Services Helpline for clinical advice.

In-Home Clinical Procedures nurses provide include

Place and maintain ongoing subcutaneous access
Indwelling Catheter Changes
Intermittent Catheterization
Bladder irrigation
Tracheostomy care & suctioning
Oxygen therapy & nebulizer setup & checks
Skin condition protection and light debridement
Specimen collection (Urine, stool, wound swabs)
Ear irrigation

IV Therapy at home is not currently available. IV Therapy in BC can only be performed under the supervision of a Medical Director and starting an IV in a community setting can only be completed by a Registered Nurse (RN).

Pro-tip: Only a few home care providers have nurses supervising their clinical practices and even fewer provide home nursing services in the community. For more information see the

Vancouver Island Resource Guide: Home Health Professional Services

Have questions about your care options? Our Coordination Team is ready to help.