New LPN grad quickly becoming discouraged

[Khope1]

I'm a new grad, was fortunate enough to get hired by a home health agency days after I got my license. Everything seemed great! I was offered 2 easy cases to get started. No MARS or care plans in home. They had an "I'll get around to it" attitude. I sent one of my clients to the hospital - was told I should've called them first. My other client is in a similar situation minus the need for the hospital admission. I'm now terrified for my new sparkly license that I worked my butt off for. I'm searching for another job but with lack of experience, there aren't any takers. I want to just walk but I need to build at least a year of experience to qualify for most positions. Feeling really bummed about this. Any suggestions on how to handle this?

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Unfortunately, any reputable company would have needed 1 or more years experience, as you need skills and a certain level of knowledge that you don't get in school. Look at ltc. I know its not a dream job for most, but you will build a foundation. That home health company does not care about your license as long as you show up and don't create a lawsuit situation. No, I'm not trying to be mean. Just giving some facts. Good luck, but run!

[TennesseeNurseToB]

If you have come to the decision for whatever reason that a client needed hospitalization, you did the right thing by calling an ambulance FIRST. Your employer isn't a doctor & even if they were, they can't give medical advice over the phone & they are not there to assess the situation. Notififying your employer should be second in line, not first.

As I'm sure you learned in nursing school, always document & notify the nessassay parties when there's been a change in the client/patients condition. This not only covers your a** but it also ensures the client/patient is getting the proper care.

And don't be discouraged that your employer didn't properly inform you of the ENTIRE details of the case but just gave you "partial information". You will find this is common among home health agencies no matter if you're CNA, LPN, RN, PTA, PT.

What you need to do when the agency calls you about a case is ask them questions; what is the clients situation, are they bed bound, in a wheel chair, can they walk, what condition is the client in, what assistance have they asked the agency to provide & so on. Make a list of things you need to know & have it handy when they call.

If the agency says they don't have that much info about the client, request that they get in touch with the client/family & find out or ask if you can contact the client/family yourself. Its the agency's responsibility to properly inform you of the case details because the client or family member approached the agency about providing services to them, not you.

And if you're not aware or have not been properly informed of the agency's policy regarding work procedures that they expect you to follow, you can request an orientation so you will be properly informed or if you've already had an orientation with them & they neglected to tell you ALL the procedures they expect you to follow, let them know you need that additional information or request a company handbook which should outline their work procedures.

Make sure you document everything including things the agency does not make clear or properly notify you of & document it in your notes when there's no care plan (even if its just your own personal notebook - which I do suggest you get one if you don't have one already).

Last, make sure you have malpractice insurance & not just the insurance the agency provides. The agency's insurance is to protect the agency's best interest, not yours. Likewise, your own personal insurance is to protect your best interest (like you nursing license).

[Khope1]

Thanks so much for your feedback!! I really appreciate it.