Got offered a job...they were awfully eager to grab me up...

[Jo Dirt]

I'm a new grad RN. I was offered a job by this home health agency that pays $25.00/hr (but this is based on 8 hr. days, so it is a salaried position) and free health insurance for myself, plus 32 cents per mile that I drive. They gave me this HUGE stack of OASIS papers so I can see what I'm in for (they were at least up front about the obscene amount of paperwork).

I'm supposed to cover several counties.

I have actually been hopeful I could find a job doing home health because I like the idea of driving around visiting patients, doing my business within 30 minutes to an hour and then moving on to the next.

I've taken into account I will be killing my car. Husband has this idea I should put about $200/week away toward a new "used" car every year.

This is a company that got a new DON and administrator after receiving TERRIBLE reviews in a survey. I have worked with this company as an LPN doing private duty and I know why they don't have a very good reputation, but it is hopeful things will get better now.

Also, I will be expected to start IV's and flush port-a-caths, do blood draws and work with vent patients. I'm ashamed to admit I don't have a lot of experience doing any of this. I do believe it is something I could pick up fairly quickly if I could get the opportunity to do it.

Just wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

As a newer RN myself, when I started doing homehealth they had a check list form where I would check off what I thought I was proficient in and everything else they would have me shadow with another RN. An example would be changing VAC dressings. Something at the hospital I worked at I wouldn't have done. If I don't feel comfortable doing something, they make sure I'm comfortable before sending me out on my own. Truth is, I have more med/surg experience as a nurse of 10 months than two other nurses (one a psych nurse, one NICU) does. And they both have more than 20 years experience as a nurse. Good luck to you! Make sure they are going to offer you the shadowing experience.

[Jo Dirt]

I'll be sure to ask them to let me shadow.

My name is Jennifer, too!

[pamc217]

Hi Jennifer

Im a new grad too, Ive been interviewing with a local VNA, I have experience as an EMT and have ACLS. They are offering me, 62,000 per year which works out to 32 dollars an hour based on 37.5 hours plus on the weekend i cover i get paid at the per visit rate. And 45 cents a mile. What I did was order some home health nursing books on amazon including some nursing procedures books. The agency thought that showed initiative on my part. Oh yeah this agency gives a 3000 sign on bonus. I am like you I dont think i would like med surg at the hospital. I am more of an ER person. Good luck.

Pam

[promises]

Hi, I'm thinking about going into home health nursing,and wondering what are the requirements to be a home health nurse? Do I have to have a BSN or an ASN is ok? Do I need at least 1 year of hospital experience or no experience at all? Any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.