I am a previous hospital nurse who has been doing home health for about 2 months. So far it has been a nightmare! I am charting every night after I finish seeing patients and most of the weekend. We do computer charting which I am thankful for... but even so, it takes so much time! I am salary and it is a decent salary... unless you are working 12 hours Monday through Friday and all weekend. I have gotten faster since I started, but I just don't see how it is possible to see patients and get charting completed in a 40 hour week. As an RN I am primarily doing admissions, recerts, and ROCs all of which take some time at the patients home AND even more time charting. I am computer savvy and I type fast...so I don't know. They are always pushing you to stay caught up with your documentation and the only way I can do this is to document ALL THE TIME. Is this just the nature of home health?
I love the patients and I love the teaching aspect of the job. But I hate the endless hours. I also dislike the constantly changing schedule. I will think I have my day planned and then I will get a call that a someone has been added to my schedule.
Is this the way HH is...... or it is just me... or the agency? Any thoughts are appreciated.