Anyone do VA Home Based Primary Care?

Specialties Government

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If so, do you like it? Pro and cons appreciated! I'm thinking about applying for the RN position. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

I did HBPC around 5 years ago. It is a good program in that it helps keep at risk veterans out of the hospital or unneeded medical visits. One of the big pros of the program is that it is not like medicare funded home care where you are in then out a couple of weeks longer. You get to know the vets who are assigned to your profile. One of the cons of the program is that some of the vets become very dependent on you and what to use you for all of their issues with the VA. I had some vets who would call me to make appointments for them and then when they were made they did not like the date or time. One way to stop this is to let them know they can call you but that you will be transferring the call to the clinic etc. for them to make the appointment. Let them know that it was for the reason I stated and most are good with that, but there will always be the one that does like that. The only reason I left HBPC was that I needed days off in the week to complete my BSN otherwise I would have stayed with it.

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Thank you for your reply! I have never done home health type care so a little nervous about it, but have been a RN for 20 years in various inpatient and outpatient settings so I think it'd be a nice change. I like the idea of getting to know the clients without a lot of turnover, and appreciate the tip on clients being dependent and how to handle that. I currently work in an Air Force peds clinic and can relate to families being needy. I feel like the referral management department most days dealing with referral and Tricare issues.

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I have been working in HPBC as NP for 8 months and I love it. Best job ever!

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Thank you for the update! I'm glad to hear that HBPC is a good area to work in at the VA and that you really like it. Unfortunately, positions don't come open very often where I live...but I keep looking.

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Thank you for the update! I'm glad to hear that HBPC is a good area to work in at the VA and that you really like it. Unfortunately, positions don't come open very often where I live...but I keep looking.

Very True indeed. Which VA are you at?

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Very True indeed. Which VA are you at?

I'm in West Texas VA area.

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I am at Lubbock VA

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I love hearing how everyone loves this position. Wondering if anyone can provide insight as to how many patients you see a day/week? What does an average day look like? I have just been offered a position at our local VA for HBPC and want to make sure I am making the right move. TY

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