Home health aide

[kaleidoscope27]

I did home health aide for a few months and it was horrible. I didn't even want to keep the job even though it was a good job for a nursing student to earn extra income. I'm feeling guilty that I didn't just stick it out but at the same time it felt more like a housemaid work. A client who rings a bell asks you to "pull the curtains 6 inches to the left", expects you to give a manicure... This job was a nightmare. I'm here because I'm wondering about other people's experience with home health aide during nursing school. Anyways, thanks for reading my post.

[PlzClarify]

I am a pre-nursing student working as a Home Health Aide (I also just landed a per-diem job as a CNA in an extended care facility). I think it just depends on the job you land. I have been with the same client for quite a while now and almost quit the first week because it was very stressful. However, as my client's disease progressed, things calmed down a lot and the job actually got much better.

For what it's worth, my client's family also initially expected what I would consider a bit too much from me in terms of housework. I know that is part of the job description but there is definitely a limit. Once I became more comfortable there, I had a very polite conversation about how I was feeling overwhelmed with trying to care for their family member while completing all of the household chores they were expecting me to do. They nixed quite a few of those chores and now I feel that the housework I do is quite reasonable. Don't be afraid to speak up if you feel overextended.

Luckily, not all jobs are the same. If you are with an agency, let your employer know that you would like to be matched with another client, if possible. There are so many at-home clients in need, you are bound to find one that feels like a good fit for you.

Good luck!