First Job in Private Duty!

[FarmerFNP]

Hey guys! I'm a new grad from this past May and I just had orientation for my new job as a Private Duty RN at a pediatric home health agency and I'm meeting my patient and his mother on Thursday. I'm so excited and nervous to start! My patient has Downs, hydrocephalus, a Mickey button, and is partially deaf/blind. I've been told that despite everything he's a sweet kid and is genuinely happy (he's 4). I've been told that for private duty, it's a fairly straight forward case and that I shouldn't have any problems.

I would like to know if there is anything you would've wished you'd known before starting on PDN. Fresh out of college, I haven't really done any so I'm new to the system as well as nursing.

Thanks in advance!

[ventmommy]

What kind of orientation are you getting? What is the mom like? Is she knowledgeable or is she hands off?

I would make sure that you are aware of all the signs of shunt failure and how to check and replace the Mic-key at the very least. And also find out if he has any Downs-related cardiac issues.

[FarmerFNP]

My orientation was pretty much just learning about the documentation as well as going over some skills with the director. I don't really think I have anything else other than that, I was pretty much told the mom could help if I had questions :/

[mybell54901]

Hi [COLOR=#003366]tewilson90,

Congrats, I am also a new graduate nurse! I am applying for an RN position with PSA Healthcare in FL to work with kids. I graduated this past May as well and the nursing job search has been a long process as I'm sure you know. Can I ask which company you applied to?

[FarmerFNP]

The company is called Angels of Care. I believe it's only in Texas at this time, but it's still growing. Good luck with PSA!

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

My orientation was pretty much just learning about the documentation as well as going over some skills with the director. I don't really think I have anything else other than that, I was pretty much told the mom could help if I had questions :/

You aren't getting any orientation once you're on the case? That seems very weird. You need at least a few shifts to get the hang out the child's routine.

[FarmerFNP]

You aren't getting any orientation once you're on the case? That seems very weird. You need at least a few shifts to get the hang out the child's routine.

Nope, that was my only orientation. I've worked a few days with him, and other than having to search for some things it's been going pretty well considering :)

[Jenn55e]

Hey guys! I'm a new grad from this past May and I just had orientation for my new job as a Private Duty RN at a pediatric home health agency and I'm meeting my patient and his mother on Thursday. I'm so excited and nervous to start!

Congrats, Tewilson90, on the new job!!!!

[boris_explorer]

Hey NurseTiffer, I know this is an old post but I am thinking of applying to Angels of Care in the Dallas area. I am a new graduate, so this would be my first nursing job. Would you suggest this as a good job for a new grad? Is there room for excelling? Did you feel overwhelmed, or that you did not get enough training starting out? Thanks!!!

[TWUgrad2015]

Hey boris_explorer, did you start working for Angels of Care? If so, what are your thoughts, good company to work for, training, orientation, etc.? Thanks!

[Ehernandez21]

Hello I am also a new graduate and thinking of applying in the Dallas area. What are your thoughts is this something you would recommend? How is training? Is this contract based? Did you feel overwhelmed at the beggining?

[Jghosh10]

Hello! I am also a new grad and graduated in May. Is Angels of Care good for a new grad? What is training like? How many patients do you have? Because I've been looking for a job for awhile now and eager to start somewhere.