Advice for a new home health nurse

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Hello,

I was starting to experience some burn out and really not enjoying my current setting any longer I decided to make a change. As a nurse I have only worked in short term rehab and a few shift here and there in LTC. I'm a little nervous and was wondering, does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom going into this setting. Even better things I should be aware of as well. I will be mostly working evenings and overnights. Thanks in Advance

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Hi!

I've been an LPN for 3 years and have done home health for about 2.5 years. Patients can be very versatile in this setting. Some may be young, old, critical, etc. The best advice I can give is to get a good report from an off going nurse/case manager. Try not to deviate from the norm. Patients forget sometimes that we are not all identical nurse robots, and some may do this differently(and that's okay.) since it's a personal setting, just try to be as mindful and respectful of the homes and needs of the patient. Never assume that anything is okay. I always ask to wear my shoes, use the restroom, use the fridge, etc. It sounds kind of silly, but I have gotten different answers to all of these questions depending on the patient. Just remember to breathe and don't be hard on yourself, every field is so different and it takes a while to situate yourself into home health. Have a great day!

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Thanks for the information and advice, it's greatly appreciated :)

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I'd also add bring a box of gloves and roll of paper towels for your personal use. The agency ‘should' supply them for you to bring to your shift. Most cases have plenty of gloves (although it's going to be an issue if your already there and the gloves are out of stock) but there seems to be a family communal hand towel that hangs around for hand washing. Sorry, I want my own (paper, disposable) towels.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Are you taking home health visits or privet duty shift work?

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Home health no private duty

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Thank you so much never thought about gloves and paper towels, will make sure to have my own stock of basic supplies with me

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Check out the home health forum. There is a wealth of info there.

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