Thinking HH in the future... looking for input

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

OK Guys.. I know NOTHING about HH except that it is a field of nursing I have been interested in for quite some time.. even before I was a nurse ! That and hospice.

So.... right now I owe my Dialysis Clinic 2 years for putting me through school.. fine with me.. I do love what I do, and can't imaging leaving my patients. At least not yet.

BUT... not getting any younger here, and we run from 0400 'til we get off 10-12 hours later. Also would like to utilize some other skills.

HH nursing to me has always been that kind of "ideal" nursing visual...

Driving would not be problematic.. love it.

But there's a LOT I would like to learn about HH... what are the options, are they AGENCIES, or hospital-run, ...who, how, when, where ??? I live in a small rural town of about 8000 people. We have a few little HH places, but I know nothing about them. Are they "private"? To whom are they accountable, etc., etc.

What all is invovled in learning the ropes? And what is OASIS..(sounds vast and overwhelming .. )

How much paperwork is really invoved.. is it all medicare related, or what? Where would I go to find out more about HH and what I need to know, and what I would like to know..?

I know I could just pop in one of these little places here in town, but don't want to bother them now, as I won't be freed up for another couple years... anyplace I can do some preparatory homework in the meantime ?

Thanx ! Appreciate you all !

:)

[Scavenger'sWife, RN]

I have only worked HH for a couple months but I did work for 1 and 1/2 years for Hospice and HH is very close to that. Anyway, so far I think it is as close to the ideal as possible (for me, at least). There is an RN at my HH who says, "The *worst* day in HH is better then the *best* day on the floor." And I agree.

So far, I will share my limited advice:

Get as much experience with various procedures as possible. You never know what the patient you have in the field will need.

Develop as much self-confidence as possible in your abilities. STUDY STUDY STUDY

Develop organizational skills. You need to keep the day moving and be as productive as can be.

The HH I work for is through my hospital and I get paid by the hour the same as the Med-Surg floor I worked. Make sure where you work that you will be paid what you are owrth. I have heard/read some horror stories about per diem work that just did not make it.

I get mileage also. But keep track of other costs. You may be able to deduct from your taxes.

Read the HH area here on Allnurse. IT IS GREAT!!!

If I think of more I will share. I think in your two years at Dialysis you will get great skills that benefit you as a HH nurse. LEARN all you can while there. Good luck!

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Good thoughts regnursein99

renerian

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Thanx, ...I hear horror stories (even here) about the paperwork... what a bummer. I'll keep it in mind, and keep my eyes and ears open over the the next couple years... and of course be reading the HH forum here. Appreciate the responses ! :)

[renerian, BSN, RN]

It is worth it Jnette just know up front if your going to shoot for a case manager job you will have alot of paperwork then you are not shocked. I think it is so interesting to see how other people live. You get to teach alot more than the hospital. Lots of dressings.

renerian

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Originally posted by renerian

You get to teach alot more than the hospital. Lots of dressings.

renerian [/quote)

LOVE teaching !! Absolutely love it and wish so much we had more time to do it where I work. Love dressings, wound care, IV's, all that. I KNOW I'd love the variety. I'm in no hurry. I'll check around as the time nears. But in the meantime, I DO want to learn all I can about how to go about finding out more about the "system/agencies", etc.

I'll be checking in here to read up and glean what info I can !

Thanx again ! :)