Home Health job doing assessments PRN

[Preemie 2 RN, ASN, RN]

So I graduated from school this past December and received my RN license in February. I have not been lucky enough to find a job yet (preferably hospital but I have applied elsewhere too).

I just saw an ad for an RN position doing in-home assessments PRN. I emailed the contact asking if they were willing to hire a new graduate RN with no experience and they offered me an interview. My interview is next week and I am a little nervous because I have no clue what to expect with this type of job.

She said it is PRN but could be up to 40 hours a week depending on how many assessments I am willing to do. Monday through Friday only, $30/hr. They also provide a work cell phone, laptop, scanner/printer and a company car is also available to use.

Can I get some advice please? Has anyone done assessments only for home health? If so, can you explain what your day is like? As a new nurse I am terrified of getting in over my head but doing assessments doesn't seem that bad. There must be more to it than that right?

Thanks in advance!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you are in CA state regulations require RNs in skilled home health to have a minimum of one year paid clinical experience.

Depending on the assessments are they for skilled nursing or for home assistance (home health aides). Are you familiar with the population and community resources? The types of diagnosis & procedures to assess? Common comorbidities? If you are assessing for home infusion, for example you are likely way out of your league.

Your assessment isn't that simple it may determine if admitted to service, plan of care, related services (skilled nursing, aides, PT, OT), treatments, therapies, whether appropriate for services, referral to community sources, reviewing of MD orders and prescription orders, reconciliation of OTC, herbal and prescription medications vs MD orders and patient condition.

[Preemie 2 RN, ASN, RN]

Thank you JustBeachyNurse! I think I will go to the interview and see how it goes. I don't want to pass up this opportunity just because it isn't in the specialty I want but I also don't want to take a job that is way over my head as a new nurse. I will let you know how the interview goes and more specifics about the position when I find out.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Nothing wrong with getting interview practice and exploring options. Home health whether skilled visit or private duty shift work requires confidence, strong clinical skills, assessment and knowledge base as you are on your own in the field.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I do not think home health is appropriate for a new grad and I'm leery of agencies that hire new grads. Training in home health typically isn't extensive and the assessments you have to do for Medicare patients are quite complex. You really need a solid nursing background to do home health.