Can someone give me info on home health?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 22, 2008

Don't know of any agencies because I live in NY, but even though I did home health early in my 2 year LPN career, I think it is better to have some bedside experience under your belt until you feel confident to work alone. In fact, some agencies may not want to hire you green out of school, still wet behind the ears, so to speak. You are totally independent with no resource except for yourself if the patient starts sinking down. It was nice in one aspect, though, because you have the time to do total care, can be more flexible with medication/treatment administration, and are much more autonomous compared to LPNs working in a facility. Downside can be family dynamics, family drama. Not knowing what the surroundings will be-it can be a home filled with vermin (I was fortunate enough not to encounter this, but many have), patient living with drug dealers or meth labs (the agencies don't always know this), or the family may think you are a maid. Listen hard to the cases they offer; write down the condition, treatments, medications, etc, and if they allow you, visit the case before you accept with another nurse being there to show you the ropes. Read up on these things before you go, oh, and review the diet (although some patients may be on-say for example a low sodium diet, but not have the funds to actually purchase the type of foods they should be eating). Make sure that all emergency equipment is there and working, have the phone numbers of the agency nurse, doctor, pharmacy and hospital. If you have a cell phone, keep it charged, because some patients don't have phones or don't want you to use them, and also, if you have to call 911, you have your own access. Good luck!

joesgirllvn · Oct 24, 2008

I just got hired on with American Private Duty. They are located in Studio City, CA and hire new grads. I was having problems finding a new job as a new LVN, then found them. They can assign you cases near home and offer benefits for full time. I know there are some other agencies, but you have to have 1 yr. experience.