Before he was caring for clients in their homes, Matt Petruzzi was a business major-turned-food broker in NYC. But one volunteer shift in an emergency room flipped the script.
“I realized nursing was my true passion and calling,” Matt said. “I felt like I needed to give more to society.”
Twelve years later, Matt is a BAYADA Nurse delivering one-on-one post-acute care—and thriving in the freedom and fulfillment that home nursing brings. It’s a far cry from the hospital floors where he first trained and practiced as a BSN, RN, and CRRN (certified rehabilitation registered nurse).
“Most people don’t realize the unique challenge of being the only clinician in a patient’s home,” he said. “Being a home health nurse requires strong clinical skills. You’ve got to think fast, make independent decisions, and communicate effectively with doctors and families.”
Some superheroes wear stethoscopes
In a Marvel-style universe, Matt jokes, he’d be Captain Chameleon. With a gift for adapting to any environment, mood, or moment, he says nurses who enjoy variety and flexibility can be a perfect fit for home health.
“Beyond clinical care, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work, education, and logistics,” he said. You have to respect each household and meet each client and their family where they are.
That’s the beauty of home health care: nurses like Matt are trusted to holistically assess needs, take action, and make a meaningful difference—one client at a time.
“Nurses have more autonomy and a stronger voice than when I started,” Matt said. “We’re shaping how care is delivered.”
A day in the life of Captain Chameleon
Start with:
- Coffee
- Water (lots of it)
- A working knowledge of local bathrooms
Add a healthy dose of:
- Nursing bag essentials
- Empathy
- Map apps
- Spidey senses
- Shape-shifting instinct
- Cat-like reflexes
- Ninja skills
And stay calm—a vital superpower when you’re also raising three kids.
“I don’t walk around announcing I’m a nurse,” Matt joked. “But kindness is just part of who I am.”
From real talk to recharge
Some days, the burnout is real. But Matt shifts the energy with compassion.
“Take time to understand your client’s situation. It’s really hard to feel good when you feel bad. If they seem angry or anxious, figure out why—and start there.”
“I recharge by spending time with my kids. I try to leave the workday at the door and focus on their lives and watching them grow.”
That mindset helps Matt stay grounded. Every time a client improves—or a family writes a thank-you card—he’s reminded how much his work matters. When you help others get better, you feel it, too.
Care can change everything
Nursing isn’t always easy—but it’s rewarding and full of possibility.
“It’s okay to feel down sometimes,” Matt said. “Just remember why you got into this: to help people. The great thing about nursing is all the different paths you can take.” As a nurse, you can always pivot—to new settings, specialties, or populations—until you find the place you truly belong. For Matt, that’s home health nursing at BAYADA.
Clinical judgment. Human connection. Preventing hospital visits. Taking time to listen. These aren’t extras—they will be essential to the future of quality health care.
Remember that the kind of care you deliver can change lives—including your own.
Inspired by Matt’s story?
- Employees, refer a friend to join our team.
- Explore nursing careers at BAYADA.
- Learn about the BAYADA Nurse Residency Program.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Put your Comment Below.