Home Health on a Motorcycle

[Skwidward]

Hey I'm thinking about going back into homehealth but getting a motorcycle to ride to my pts houses. What do you reckon?

I know I would spend a lot of time on my phone, using my laptop (pulled over), and eating while in the car doing HH before, but I think with just a little bit of planning I should be able to pull it off on a bike. I'm excited about mixing my passion for riding motorcycles with my daily job.

Also, there are some really comfy bikes with plenty of boxes etc. for supplies, GPS systems for bikes etc. You see the cops do it.

I just know it can get pretty hectic, but like I said with a little planning it should be good. The only thing is the heat (I live in texas) and if it decides to **** it down. But honestly, that's just all part of the riding experience.

What do you think?

[sjoy]

I think ...and I repeat...think, that its not such a good idea. Personally. I hate motorcycles. They are loud and obnoxious. Uncessary noise. If you park it like half a block from where you're going then ok, but less than that brings too much noise. Who knows what your clients might think. You should probably ask the company you work for as well.

[bunsterj]

I had an acquaintance that was a hospice nurse. I went with him to his car on one occasion and commented how tidy it was. He told me that JCAHO checks their vehicles as that is where their supplies are. You might want to see if the is a specific JCAHO rule about vehicles/transportation for home health.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I don't see anything wrong with it -- and see how it could work. In the olden days, home health nurses used to make their visits on bicycles. If the bikes worked for them, why wouldn't they work now?

Just be sure to maintain a clean, professional-looking image so that none of your clients become wary of allowing a "biker" into their homes. Some people associater bikers with a "rough crowd" ... the type of people you might be afraid of, etc. You might want to tell them that you use a motorcycle (on the phone ... or do your first visit in a car) before actually showing up at their house.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm curious.

[S.N. Visit, BSN, RN]

One of my co workers rides her motorcycle on nice days. No complaints from clients in the 5yrs she's worked for our agency.

[Skwidward]

I don't see anything wrong with it -- and see how it could work. In the olden days, home health nurses used to make their visits on bicycles. If the bikes worked for them, why wouldn't they work now?

Just be sure to maintain a clean, professional-looking image so that none of your clients become wary of allowing a "biker" into their homes. Some people associater bikers with a "rough crowd" ... the type of people you might be afraid of, etc. You might want to tell them that you use a motorcycle (on the phone ... or do your first visit in a car) before actually showing up at their house.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm curious.

They used to ride horses too.

lol....I am not talking about a Harley with big ass loud pipes and showing up in studded leather and a bandana etc. (although most of my pts would probably love that). I am talking about a sport/tourer style bike. I am very clean cut, well spoken etc.

[Vikingkitten]

I'm all for it! I did Home Health and Hospice in rural N. E. Kansas for several years. Riding my 'bike , especially during spring (" monsoon season") could be a bit dicey, but with a little forsight and planning, shouldn't be a problem. Plus, saved wear and tear on my car especially on those less-well-maintained rural roads. Besides, many of those old farmers and ranchers I took care of thought it was cool, many of them were motorcycle riders in their youth or when they were in the Service. Go for it!

My $.02

[cb_rn]

Haha :) I love it. Now myself, it wouldn't work for me. I've almost gotten my jeep stuck in some of the mudhole roads I go down. Even in 4 wheel drive I've had to close my eyes and say a little prayer before some of the "puddles" and hope there was no alligator lying in wait! I couldn't have fit all of my supplies in a motorcycle but if you can pull it off, more power to you. Best of luck!

[mamamerlee, LPN]

If it's okay with your agency, then I think it should be okay over all. I did home health for years, and I loved it - but in a car!!!

Best Wishes!!!

[NurseCard, ADN]

With all the miles you might have to ride doing home health, I think it's a fine idea, especially if your agency doesn't reimburse for mileage. Like others, I say check with your agency to make sure that it is OK with them.

[caliotter3]

I once worked with a nurse who rode his bike to his home health job. He said he saved money that way. Only two concerns I could see would be riding in very bad weather and having sufficient room for your junk supply, but it looks as if your bike has ample storage space. And I like your color scheme!

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

I know it's a slightly different thing, but in Europe they put paramedics on motorbikes as first responders in congested inner cities. The paramedics often arrive long before the ambulance crews do because they don't get caught up in as many traffic snarls. Sounds like it could work, but I think I would probably want a back-up plan for those days when you just know the weather is going to be terrible, or you have a case where you know you are going to need a bundle of supplies.