Former ED RN's....do you regret changing to homecare?

[Boston-RN, RN]

Hello,

I'm and ED RN x 1.3 years. I work at a large inner city level 1 trauma center. I LOVE my career. Currently I don't really like some parts of the job (BIG PARTS). Currently we have no nurse:pt ratio in our ED and sometimes that gets hairy especially when we're short staffed which happens regularly with no offer of OT to fill the holes. I get paid pretty low compared to the area. I just got my CEN (with no raise or reimbursement for taking the test), I'm getting my BSN ($3k/yr reimbursement but no raise upon completion) work 36hrs (3x12) day/night rotation w/every 3rd weekend. There is blantent favoritism in the department. I did get a good review but our wages have been frozen for a year. We get good amount of vacation time but rarely a chance to use it. I like the MD's and most of the people I work with and I enjoy working in the ED. Right now there are no other ED jobs in the immediate area. I have been told by people that have left that they are now very happy, especially the ones that do homecare. The money is better by approx $5/hr, no nights no weekends no holidays. All my friends and hubby work M-F jobs. I am seriously considering going into homecare and keeping the ED as per diem.

Has anyone done this and truely regret it? I don't know how either environment will be effected with the healthcare reform.

Oh and my long term goal is FNP.

[jrcanton]

I am an ER RN X 11 years with a BNS. I recently began a career in HH and I have to say that I love it. The $$$ is totally different, and I can use my assessment skills in so many different settings. i usually work from 8-4, no later than 5, M-F. I make time for appointments, go to all my kids games, and eat dinner with my family every night. It is a different world, and yes I do miss the excitement of the ER/Trauma setting, but to be more of a family participant instead of being somewhere for 12 hours at a time, nights, not able to eat dinner and do homework, I will give up the excitement. HH is a special skill. You really are dealing with the healing. I love it and am now looking forward to advancing my career in this field.

[caliotter3]

You said you were considering keeping the ED as per diem when going over to hh. That is a version of what many nurses do much of the time. You would be keeping your foot in the door at the hospital. Then, you could enjoy the best aspects of both jobs while being exposed to the disadvantages of each for less time each week. This would offer you a psychological "stress release" during the week.

[Willow Moonsidhe]

I worked Trauma for four years. I love Home Health. Seeing the out doors for a change is nice. !

~Willow

[Viralnurse]

I have to agree, I think I've got a sunburn! I have been a hospital nurse for so many years, and doing Home Health, you see the world, or at least a whole lot of the outdoors, and many different indoors! Being a "Mobile Nurse" is very rewarding, and I think much more healthy that being indoors for 12 or more hours. It's certainly my niche! I'm glad I found it. Granted the paperwork is rediculous, but the job is the best there is in my book!