Thinking of joining the HH crew (;

Specialties Home Health

Published

Specializes in FNP- BC, Med-Tele, PCU, Home Health Case Manager.

I've been working as M/S/PCU RN for a year now and I am tired of the crazy hospital hours, no breaks, stress and the stereotypical BS that goes along with this type of nursing. I never wanted to be a M/S nurse but needed to build my foundation of skills and have my 1 year under my belt, but I'm ready for the switch. I've been toying with the idea of HH because the flexibility in schedule (and 'normal hours') and autonomy is what is attractive to me. Also the actual time you get to spend with pts instead of zipping in and out of rooms, praying no one stops to talk because even though you'd love to, there's just no time. I have a second interview with a HH company Monday and wondering if they should offer me the job, will it be the right move for me? The positions territory is in my neighborhood (so no long distance travel) and I asked about paperwork and hours of work (will my phone/email be expected to be answered at the days end or weekends off, which they said no). So the common things I've heard people rant about in HH seems like it won't be a problem for myself. I'm just nervous because even though I want something new...its new and totally different. Guess I am nervous about making the switch. How did you all go from acute care hospital nursing to HH? How did it go? Are you happy with the change? Any thoughts or opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated. (: Thank you!

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I love home health but I made the switch when things were easier on both sides. IME of both re entering after being off as a SAHM and seeing nurses coming into the field, you have to be prepared for a year of longer days and lots of frustration.

EVERYONE likes the patient care, it's why we put up with the insane amount of documentation requirements. And the other thing you'll have to learn about is reimbursement. Unlike inpatient where you provide care for the patients assigned to you, in hh you will also be responsible in knowing and documenting that the care is reimbursable.

Living in your own territory is huge so that's a plus on your side. Just be prepared for a tough year, even with the best orientation programs there is a lot to learn and juggle. Think of it as an internship and don't plan on a simple 40 hr minimal stress week.

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Specializes in FNP- BC, Med-Tele, PCU, Home Health Case Manager.

Thank you for your input! I had my interview yesterday and it went really well and the team seems very supportive. They were very honest about how the first year can be very overwhelming and hard to get used to but its worth it in the end & will always be there to support me if I should be offered the job. I am pretty nervous but sounds like a good fit for me.

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Specializes in FNP- BC, Med-Tele, PCU, Home Health Case Manager.

I haven't received a formal offer yet from the HH company, but I interviewed with another hospital today for a M/S position...basically same hours and what I've been doing at my current hospital but its for a reputable company. I have until the end of the week to make a decision for the M/S hospital job. I just don't know what to do if the HH company offers me a job too! Any advice is appreciated.

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Accept the M/S job, and if you get a better offer from the HH company in the same time frame, give respectful notice to the M/S job. It's a business negotiation and it's okay to jump ship for the right offer.

That's not common advice around here, but there's nothing unethical about negotiating for what you want most out of your career. Of course, it DOES pretty much slam the door to working at that second hospital in the future, so make sure it's what you really want to do.

Benedina

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Specializes in FNP- BC, Med-Tele, PCU, Home Health Case Manager.
Accept the M/S job, and if you get a better offer from the HH company in the same time frame, give respectful notice to the M/S job. It's a business negotiation and it's okay to jump ship for the right offer.

That's not common advice around here, but there's nothing unethical about negotiating for what you want most out of your career. Of course, it DOES pretty much slam the door to working at that second hospital in the future, so make sure it's what you really want to do.

Benedina

The HH agency hired me!!! I'm putting my resignation today at my current job and I an terrified for some reason. But it is bittersweet!

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