[kk2000]

Hi.
Just wondering if any of you started their nursing career in homecare. I understand the downside to starting a career in homecare without acute care/med surg experience, or nursing home. But, the opportunitites are endless as far as vareid experiences-wound vacs, lots of foley's suprapubic, Picc line flushes, lots of wound care, etc. Lots af assessment skills and teaching, too. Just wouldn't get that in a nursing home.
Would love some feedback or personal experiences. The independance is great, and the RN's and office supervisors are great-the LPN scope here is a bit broader than in most states, too.
Just looking for some feedback.
Thanks

[Fiona59]

I went Continuing Care to Active Treatment. I've always wondered about homecare, but when it comes down to it, I don't want to go into strange homes in unknown neighbourhoods.

Hope you enjoy it though.

[pagandeva2000]

I am thinking about doing homecare as a side job. I don't believe that I have enough experience just yet, since I recently got my license in June of this year, but I do see myself branching off to it within a year.

[kk2000]

Originally Posted by pagandeva2000

I am thinking about doing homecare as a side job. I don't believe that I have enough experience just yet, since I recently got my license in June of this year, but I do see myself branching off to it within a year.

I'm pretty lucky-guess the agency must have been desperate, they hired me with no experience. I do have home health aide experience plus homecare working with developmentally disabled, and have some fantastic mentors at the company.
If it weren't for the other nurses, I would never make it, I'm sure. A huge variety of experiences and great not to punch a clock. I am older, too, that probably helps a bit. Would like some facility experience, too, though.

[Skittlez]

May I ask what city you live in and how much you get paid?

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by Skittlez

May I ask what city you live in and how much you get paid?

Homecare agencies in DFW, Texas tend to pay LVNs from $20 to $25 per hour plus reimbursement for mileage costs. The only catch is that most of these agencies want 6 months to 1 year of experience in long-term care, rehab, or med-surg. Also, you'll be driving around a whole lot.

[Skittlez]

Thanks Commuter, (and you are a Texan now, no longer a commuter)

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by Skittlez

Thanks Commuter, (and you are a Texan now, no longer a commuter)

LMFAO! ROTFL!

I'm a native Californian and, therefore, a Texan by relocation. The people around here always ask me "Where are you from?" since I supposedly have a 'funny' way of speaking.

[Skittlez]

I was born in Los Angeles, CA and I spoke differently too. I grew out of it and so will you. You will find yourself saying "yall" soon enuff...
KK2000, what state do you live in?

[LegginMF]

KK I am in San Bernardino Ca. IMy first job is in home care thru an agency. It's not so bad going to strange people houses. What is really scary is you are there by yourself in most cases and don't have anybody to run to if you have a question or a problem. I got exactly 3 days of orintation with one patient and that's it, I'm on my own! Equipment in the home is sooo different than in a hospital and some times it takes me a bit to figure it out. It also get pretty boring as your patients are pretty stable. One house I go to we sit and watch T.V. just about all day. On my shift he gets 1 neb Tx, 1 IC, 1 dose of meds and I feed him dinner. Other than repositioning and ROM there isn't much to do.