Why THE HECK does everyone assume because we're home care nurses we must be of a lesser quality?
I'm out with hubby last night and this chicken asked me, "what do you do?" I said, Im an RN. She says the typical "oh, what hospital do you work at?" I told her I'm a high acuity pediatric homecare RN. She was like, "huh, oh ok." I am so SICK of people thinking my job isn't important!! I work ALONE. When stuff gets hairy I can't call over a Co-worker for help. When emergencies happen it's me, myself and I. I work in Ill prepared houses, bad neighborhoods, without supplies and can just about provide care to anyone anywhere at anytime. No stocked med room. No computers. No Vocera. Nothing. Why why WHY do people think homecare is a joke? All of my pts are vent dependant and tube fed. Some are infusion therapy. I've resuscitated babies. I've worked 20+ hour shifts. I've saved babies lives!
I AM NOT A JOKE! and because you are all PDN'S you know, this job isn't easy.
End rant.