Nervous New Home Health Nurse

[tinamrn]

Hi guys! After months and months of searching I have finally found employment as a home health nurse!:) I'm so grateful and excited to start:') I was just wondering what are some things I should bring with me on my first day. I don't want to be the unprepared student on the first day of school. Thanks!!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

What are you doing first day? It should be company orientation and perhaps skills testing. Then arrive professionally attired, bring a pen and note pad and perhaps your personal stethoscope. You will be instructed as to what personal supplies you will need (such as pens, clip board personal stethoscope) and what will be provided by the company (paperwork, gloves, often hand sanitizer & liquid soap) and what should be provided by the patients DME or your office if it supplies patient care items (GT supplies, med syringes, tubing, wound care, etc). There isn't much that you should be providing as the nurse.

Are you doing home health (intermittent skilled visits usually post discharge that are 30-60 minutes) or private duty (shift work often 4-12 hours with one patient)? That makes a difference.

[Mom2boysRN]

Welcome to home health! I've been doing it for almost 3 years and love it, well most days I do.

As was said already, bring a pen (black only), a notebook, and your stethoscope. The first day for our employees generally consists of filling out paperwork, orientation to policies, and possibly riding along with another nurse.

Keep in mind home health has a lot of rules we have to follow and it will take time to be comfortable with everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions and be patient with yourself.