Taking a management position in home health

caliotter3 · Mar 24, 2009

Check out the stickies at the top of the home health forum. NRSKaren has posted numerous links to references dealing with the nuts and bolts of home health management. These should be a good place to start.

COOPERSMOMMY · Mar 27, 2009

Hi~ I think I would want a manager that has had a lot of experience out in the field. My supervisors and manager have done their time so are able to help and give good advice. Just my thought. Do you feel like you would be able to help a nurse that was in someone's home and had a question or dilemma?

mikki

Wishinonastar, BSN · Mar 28, 2009

Why in the world would they want a manager lacking home health experience? This raises red flags to me. Home health is extremely specialized now, more so than it used to be, with a lot on the line. You need to be an expert resource on regs, OASIS, reimbursement, procedures, policies, what is skilled, what disciplines can provide, yada yada yada.

I have been in this field for 21+ years, and I still get nervous about some decisions. There is so much to learn and it is hard to keep up with constant changes. If you consider this position, make sure you will have a good resource person to go to to support you as you learn and develop. I would also be wondering why they did not promote from within.

meluhn · Mar 28, 2009

I do have some experience in hh with this same company, just not alot of experience. What I do have going for me is that I am a BSN with my rehab certification. This company is very reputable and has a history of retaining their nurses. I don't know why they didn't promote from within, I think they need a BSN to teach hha classes. But thanks for all the encouragement... :coollook:

mailnurse1995 · Mar 29, 2009

I've been in home care for about 4 years now. There is much to learn. How long would your orientation be? What kind of resources does the company have to help new employees? I would suggest you ask these questions before accepting the job. Good luck!

meluhn · Mar 29, 2009

I've been in home care for about 4 years now. There is much to learn. How long would your orientation be? What kind of resources does the company have to help new employees? I would suggest you ask these questions before accepting the job. Good luck!

I did ask and they told me that a preceptor would come from coprporate to train me and I would go to a 1 week management training seminar. They said I wouldn't be on my own until I felt comfortable. I am not so much worried about the judgemnet calls and the clinical aspect as I am the paperwork and the regulations that I have to learn.

mailnurse1995 · Apr 5, 2009

There are many regulations that you will learn. It will take a long time to learn it all. Don't be afraid. I'm sure you'll pick it up just fine. Just keep asking questions, open your mind and you'll be fine.

riern · Apr 10, 2009

I've been in a management position with HH for 4 years now, and I had field experience of about 6 years. My suggestion would be to make sure you find out exactly what you'll be responsible for and know that your orientation will only be a drop in the bucket. You will have much to learn and most of it will be learn as you go, or that's been my experience. MCR/MCD are constantly changing so be ready for the roller coaster. I will tell you that the agency I work for is trying to be proactive with the economy so those of us in management/salaried positions are expected to pick up visits when clinicians are out to help decrease use of PRN staff.

Good Luck!