Hi, as a newly appointed moderator, I want to live this forum up a bit. I just resigned my position as a HH supervisor, to go back to the field.
I have been a nurse 20 years, 17 in critical care, mostly cardiac critical care, and the last 2.5 years in HH, or asthma disease management , which I also had to leave because I hated to be in a cube farm all day.
I still love HH, even though PPS is the pits, even though the OASIS would make good kindling for a massive bonfire, and even with all the rest of the paperwork, it is the most rewarding nursing I have ever done!!
PS, I went back to my former VNA who is now paying $30/hr, yes, you read that right, to work 3 out of 4 weekends. Since weekends work well for me, it's a good deal.
Let's hear from all the HH nurses out there. Out of all those registered members, there's got to be plenty of us on this BB!!
I agree! There have to more home health nurses out there to connect with. I've been in home care for over 20 years and here in CA the local VNA is paying up to $50.00 per hour for per diem work. It's still the focus of my continuing career path but I found we were always short handed because alot of people don't like to do OASIS and deal with PPS productivity issues. I just became a member so looking forward to more HH dialogue.
Specializes in med/Surg Tele, ER and HH visiting RN.
Hi
From Med/Surg-Tele to ER now to HHVN and I'm really liking it, alot less stressful...it really is interesting to see what goes on after the Pt is discharged from the hospital and to see why so many Pts return back into the hospital. I've been doing this for 5mos now, and the biggest problem I have so far is finding where the Pt lives.. Yes, I realize that you can always call the Pt, go on mapquest, etc.. but these sources don't have the knowledge at times for roadwork or detours. Maybe Santa will bring me a GPS for Xmas.hohohaha!
My question is..My experience with Vanco infusion has always been at room temp. for my Pts. I have a Pt that infuses his Vanco, thru his PiccLine at home right from taking out of the Refrig., (He is on his 3rd Picc Line)..am I incorrect in saying/thinking that he should take the Vanco out of the fridg. at least 30mins before infusing it?
He's not homebound and uses his arms alot(construction).
In the ideal environment the vanco would be allowed to warm up a little, but we can't always control what our patients do. Infusing right out of the refrigerator may improve his compliance. It is more important that he check the bag or medball for the correct drug and dose as well as for evidence of particulates or discoloration. Out of curiosity, why is he on his 3rd PICC line?
I've been reading this thread as well as "a typical day..." and I'm wondering how you manage all of the products that your pts need every day? Does your main office take care of it for you? My agency has us run around and make multiple trips to local stores to take care of DME. What's your experience?
I've been reading this thread as well as "a typical day..." and I'm wondering how you manage all of the products that your pts need every day? Does your main office take care of it for you? My agency has us run around and make multiple trips to local stores to take care of DME. What's your experience?
My agency contracted with a wound care supplier who would mail the supplies to the patients home after the nurse called in the order. Usually the items would arrive within 1-2 days.
Thanks! The types of products my patients need are beds, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, etc. My company takes care of the wound care supplies but when they need ADLs or DME we have issues...any thoughts?
Thanks! The types of products my patients need are beds, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, etc. My company takes care of the wound care supplies but when they need ADLs or DME we have issues...any thoughts?
Aren't there DME companies where you live? Usually, you call the DME co. with the patient information and doctors order, then fax the order to them for billing and delivery. I've never heard of a home health nurse who has to pick up DME.
I live in a pretty rural area so it is kind of a hassle. Does the DME company you work with bill Medicare for the patient or does your agency?
Thanks again!
The DME company bills Medicare(or other insurances), it should not be you or your agencies responsibility after sending the DME company the doctors order. The only responsibility you have is to make sure the equipment gets to the home and is in working order.
The DME company bills Medicare(or other insurances), it should not be you or your agencies responsibility after sending the DME company the doctors order. The only responsibility you have is to make sure the equipment gets to the home and is in working order.
That's exactly how we do it aslo. Fax or call doc for order, have him/her fax it to DME co.
Like AnnemRN said, we have a couple of DME companies in our town and we aren't in a large city. We fax the order to the DME company along with Medicare or Ins # , demographics,etc and they handle the rest. They bill Medicare and handle all the paperwork. They even deliver IV meds such as Vanc to the home. Of course some are better than others so it is great when you can establish a good relationship with one and use that one whenever possible.
Meems
37 Posts
the nav system will help tremendously trust me... it will pay for itself in less headaches, and stress with poor directions!