[Brenney9101]

Hi there. I am new to this and posted this question previously in the wrong area, so here I go again!!!!

Is it possible that a brand new LPN can go straight into home health without working in a hosp, LTF, etc?

I have looked at employment ads for several agencies and alot do not specify or it says n/a.

I would like to hear from some managers or people that have been in HH for a while that know the facts on this or even have done this themselves. I live in Florida, (Tampa Bay area)

Home Health is where I feel I will belong, but several people I have talked to say you have to have a minimum of 1 year Med Surg typically

Thanks for the info.....

Brenney (confused in FL)

[Wendy_RN]

Some companies will hire new grads. I think it would be beneficial to have some experience, but IF you find a good agency that will provide you with an adequate orientation and resources you can succeed. I know someone who went directly into home health as a new grad and has being doing home health nursing for over 6 years.

[katwoman7755]

I personally feel you should have experience. First year as a nurse is hard enough. I know I felt like I didn't truly begin to learn to be a nurse until I actually began real life nursing. Being in the home often means you will encounter many different disease processes and experiences. It is the type of environment where you need to feel very secure in both your ability to independently assess and care for a patient as well as be able to carry out the task that may be ordered. You are alone in that home and the only set of eyes at that moment. That is alot to take one with no experience. I know that I would not have been doing the best I could for the patient without having become a lot more secure in my nursing abilities in a facility setting prior to going into home health.

Having said that, you will probably find you will enjoy it once you get into it. I think you will enjoy it more knowing you have some experience under your belt.

[Brenney9101]

good thoughts, thanks so much!