considering homehealthcare, need input...

[kkluczynski]

Ok, so I am an LPN currently working on getting my RN through an online program. I currently work in LTC on the skilled unit, I have been there for 2.5years. I know nothing about homecare and have always been kind of scared of the idea of being out there alone with no co workers around to help if necessary. Recently I have considered the idea because of flexible scheduling. Im considering having a baby and working 2nd shift wouldn't be convenient. So my questions include: how does home healthcare work, what would my duties be, how do I work around the hours that would be convenient for myself and family, the pay is it more or less vs. LTC, how does charting and orders from the doc work, and any other information that would be helpful. I appreciate any input, Im torn between wether or not to stay where I am at or to move on.

Thanks in advance

[caliotter3]

You can find a lot of input if you spend some time looking in the home health forum. Many topics are covered extensively. First you need to give some thought to which type of home health work you want to do, or to start out in. There are two basic kinds: intermittent visits and extended care, also called shift work or continuous care. It is easier for the new person to start out in extended care. Routine care for stable patients with only one nurses note due for the shift which can be anywhere from four to 16 hours in length. Intermittent visits entail driving around from patient to patient and often the paperwork is done at home on your own time because you are required to visit a minimum number of patients in a day. More stressful for the beginner. Do some reading in the forum and you can get a good picture of what to expect.