Home Health not what I thought it would be adice, anyone???

[LPN2RNdude]

I was an LPN for 7 years working in LTC and medical clinics. I went to RN school to work in acute care. What was I thinking, going into Home Health??? Please, someone kick me.

I took the job right out of RN school last October. I just couldnt get past the huge paycheck (average 75,000 a year) so I jumped on the offer. The only problem is,,,, it reminds me too much of long-term care. I feel like I'm not really doing anything to help people sometimes. I guess I'm just burnt out. Plus the company I work for is great and all, but when an RN takes call (every 3rd weekend) you have to work 12 days straight. That really sucks!!! I went to RN school to work less, not more.

plus, its like,,,,, so hard to keep up with whats going on with all of my patients in home care. the doctors never call back like they say they will,,,,, the patients are so non compliant, people refuse visits or are never at home. its like i feel like i cant do this job another day, but im not one to quit without giving a 2 week or more notice. after all, the company was nice enough to hire me as a new RN with only LPN experience.

I applied for a few jobs (ER MED SURG PCU) and it kinda looks like ill be taking a med surg job, due to not having ACLS or code experience. Which is fine with me, but im just worried if ill be able to handle 6 or 7 med surg patients on a medical floor night shift. does that ratio sounds pretty safe?? im not a newbie, have been an LPN for 7 years and an RN for 9 months. so any advice would be much appreciated. i just hope i make the right decision,,, as im not one to job hop. thnx,,,,,, johnny

p.s plus the saying the more you make the more they take is TRUE... i made 3,200 dollars these last 2 weeks and only took home 2400 of it!!! im just SOOOO unhappy!!!

[liebling5, MSN, RN]

Yes, you can always change specialties, but here are some ideas for the meantime:

Always call prior to a visit to determine if pt is home and if they want the visit.

Have a simple record-keeping system (with HIPPA in mind) that helps keep track of who gets what and when.

Allow plenty of time between patients

Keep track of calls to doctors and follow up with unreturned calls during business hours. If you work with an agency or service, let your supervisors know when you have trouble getting calls back. They may know ways to get to the doc.

Talk to the person who hired you and express your concerns - you owe it to yourself to find something that works for you. If you don't get the support you need from that person, you could look for a position with another provider. There are lots of places who'd hire you with 9 mos exp as RN.

Some of your new coworkers can also be good resources for ideas.

Best to you.

[icie rn, ADN, RN]

Stop kicking yourself for not being happy in home care. Go on to something else with the knowledge you gave this type of nursing a good try. Home care is not for everyone, me included. Hope you enjoy med/surg, it is indeed a speciality of its own, and can be very rewarding. Have a blessed day.

[Quietstorm1234]

If you work for a caring home health agency and have staff, office and field staff that care about one another, home health can be really rewarding. Being on call is horrible most of the time because of the unknown. But we get through it. It is not for everyone. If you are unhappy move on and find the area that you can do your best in. Don't feel bad, it was just not your cup of tea at this time. Maybe later in your nursing career, you might decide to try it again.