I start HH tomorrow!

cathrn64 · Jan 2, 2013

My children are no longer small (15 and 18!). I have worked homecare throughout their lives. Depending on the agency requirements work can be very flexible. The 2 agencies I have worked for, both full time, did not mind if I scheduled my patients around conferences, school programs etc. Most days I work out my own schedule/times with patients. I am really lucky and don't have to travel too far to see my patient's. So, I could start after they went to school. When they were little, I did pay for after school daycare, because I could not be sure I would be home on time to get them off of the bus. Actually, it worked out well because I could either pick them up and finish my paperwork after they went to bed, or sit in the car (or McDonald's etc) and finish so I could devote more time when I picked them up. You will end up doing some stuff at home no mater what, (scheduling the next day, follow-up calls Md calls etc), but it is definitely doable if you stay organized!

Good luck in your new job. I hope you enjoy home care as much as I do!

RN_Mommy_2_3 · Jan 2, 2013

My children are no longer small (15 and 18!). I have worked homecare throughout their lives. Depending on the agency requirements work can be very flexible. The 2 agencies I have worked for, both full time, did not mind if I scheduled my patients around conferences, school programs etc. Most days I work out my own schedule/times with patients. I am really lucky and don't have to travel too far to see my patient's. So, I could start after they went to school. When they were little, I did pay for after school daycare, because I could not be sure I would be home on time to get them off of the bus. Actually, it worked out well because I could either pick them up and finish my paperwork after they went to bed, or sit in the car (or McDonald's etc) and finish so I could devote more time when I picked them up. You will end up doing some stuff at home no mater what, (scheduling the next day, follow-up calls Md calls etc), but it is definitely doable if you stay organized!
Good luck in your new job. I hope you enjoy home care as much as I do!

Thank you so much for your reply! I hope & pray that I love HH & that it works with my family life!

paradiseboundRN · Jan 3, 2013

My kids are grown but I have worked with many nurses who had small children and they seem to make it work. Good luck!

mdflpn1973 · Jan 4, 2013

Congrats im starting home care Monday i have been in long term care for yrs. I hear home care is flexible i have 2 children 12 13.i to am excited about this new chapter...good luck n KIT

dkickelie · Jan 5, 2013

I, too, will be starting HH on the 21st to better (hopefully) accommodate my family too. I have a 7 month old and am feeling the same as you! I will be working two 12 hour shifts (sat/sun). I am super nervous and hoping I made the right choice too. I have heard it is very flexible so hopefully that will work to our benefit:-) I know the charting takes alot of getting used to and can be pretty overwhelming but I've heard in time it obviously gets much easier.

Fingers crossed we both do well ;-)))

paradiseboundRN · Jan 6, 2013

Please read the "tips and tricks" TOPIC and the POST from "discouraged". Both will help you get a good start. And get this book ASAP

The Handbook of Home Health Standards: Quality, Documentation and Reimbursement by Tina Marelli

grneyes8 · Jan 6, 2013

Home Care is a different way of life but very manageable! I have been doing this for 6 years and I love it.

Just don't come into it thinking it's going to be easy because it isn't at first. The paperwork can be overwhelming until you get used to it.

I only open cases so I do three-five a day. I spend a little over a hour in the home and probably 3 hours or so on paperwork at home once you figure in coding and typing an admit note. Case managers get off a little easier because they don't have quite as much paperwork but they have to do more MD calls and stuff than I do.

Good luck, hope you enjoy it. I will never go back in to the hospital after this!

NJORN · Jan 8, 2013

Hey mommy2! Have been thinking of you. I am actually requesting to ride along with a case mgr for a day before I accept the job. Hopefully that will help me make up my mind. Hope hh is just what your family needs. It is so hard to be away from the kids. Natalie

Cyoung07 · Jan 11, 2013

thanks for the book suggestion will check it out..i am new nurse and new to home health as they r the only ones willing to hire...hospitals dont want to hire new nurses only experince nurses..bu how do u get expereince if they wont train..n they see home ehalth as a joke..but i need the money..so will do it..

paradiseboundRN · Jan 12, 2013

n they see home ehalth as a joke..but i need the money..so will do it..

I don't think ANYONE sees home health as a joke!

kennedy8353 · Jan 24, 2013

I've only ever work in a hospital. what is oasis/roc/soc? If u get paid hourly, which seems like most places are by visit or salary per posts, does the hourly wage cover the high amount of paperwork? What are u required to do in an office setting other than the home visits? Many meetings without pay?