Calling all HH Nurses, roll call

Specialties Home Health

Published

Hi, as a newly appointed moderator, I want to live this forum up a bit. I just resigned my position as a HH supervisor, to go back to the field.

I have been a nurse 20 years, 17 in critical care, mostly cardiac critical care, and the last 2.5 years in HH, or asthma disease management , which I also had to leave because I hated to be in a cube farm all day.

I still love HH, even though PPS is the pits, even though the OASIS would make good kindling for a massive bonfire, and even with all the rest of the paperwork, it is the most rewarding nursing I have ever done!!

PS, I went back to my former VNA who is now paying $30/hr, yes, you read that right, to work 3 out of 4 weekends. Since weekends work well for me, it's a good deal.

Let's hear from all the HH nurses out there. Out of all those registered members, there's got to be plenty of us on this BB!! :D

Specializes in Many.

I have been in HHC around 6 years, broken up. Left when changing from fee for service, broke my heart. Back a year and a half. I have been a director for a little more than a year. Tough balance between patients, organization, payers, staff, regulations....

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Whew...I was wondering when to jump in...I've been so busy reading all the posts on this forum...and so glad I found it! It is wonderful to read about the experiences of other home health nurses, and I can relate to just about all the posts in one way or another!!!

I have been an RN for many years, worked my way up from nursing assistant to LPN to RN...all the way to hospital Director of Clinical Services...Have worked in many areas of nursing (I like variety!)...Some years back I started working as a travel nurse, 13 week assignments, extending where I wanted to, leaving at the end of 13 weeks if it wasn't for me...I was becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the whole hospital-based system of patient care..

As fate would have it, I broke a foot, was laid up for 4 months, and had nothing but time during which to reconsider my career choices. Somehow I was led to trying Home Health..and I've never looked back. Once I got past the horror of the dreaded paperwork, I was able to focus on the invaluable service we Home Care Nurses provide.

I am still a "travel nurse" on paper...But have been at the same assignment, as a Home Health Nurse/Case Manager in Northern California since last January. The hours are great (no more night shifts!), the pay is excellent, I work one out of 4-5 weekends with corresponding days off during that week, see 4-5 patients per day, drive less than 30 miles per day (on my busiest day), do not take "call" and am basically independent in scheduling my days, and giving my patients whatever time they need during each visit.

Nothing I've done in half a lifetime has rewarded me to the extent that Home Health Nursing has. Being able to direct a patient's care, and work on a good outcome from day one to discharge, is the constant that keeps me showing up day after day, and adding patients to my case load..Sure, I hate the Oasis...who doesn't? But, I look at each one as the tool that helps me to start my plan of care, and it makes me think about the individual I'm working for, to focus on what that patient will need, and what will be required of me and the rest of the team, to make sure they get the best care...

I shudder at the thought of ever having to return to a Hospital setting...Home Health has renewed my faith in the art of nursing.

As for the "danger" aspect...I adopt the attitude some have expressed here...I wear my white jacket, hang my stethoscope around my neck, carry my bag with authority, look people straight in the eye, and walk with my head up. Mind you, I'm only 5 ft tall...but it works for me! I don't let fear enter my consciousness, and it leaves me alone..I arrive in a neighborhood with the conviction that I have a job to do, and someone will have to work real hard to stop me from doing it!

I look forward to reading about other's experiences here, and sharing where I can..This is a wonderful way for us to be part of a community that understands our daily contributions, trials and challenges...Keep up the great service!

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Specializes in psy, icu, med/surg; home health; wound.
Hi:

I am a psych clinical nurse specialist who is looking into doing psych home care in Pa. Can you give me some idea of what is considered to be a "fair wage" in terms of orientation hours? I have been told that the per visit rate is $36, but having not done this, I do not know how to begin to translate this into an apples-apples comparison in terms of hourly rate. I have also been told that mileage is 4.4 cents/mile. Would appreciate learning from you/your experiences.

Hi again... I just joined this site and am not sure how to respond - I sent you an e-mail - hope you got it. Here in west central fl we get 41 cents/mile what is 4.4? Shop around for various rates - there are differences ... Good luck! Marti

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Love this thread! New DFW HH nurse checking in. I posted this in other forums but recieved very few views, thought I'd try here.

I have worked for a rural HH company in the DFW area for three months now. This is my first HH job and only my second year of nursing as an LVN. I am doing approx. 30 to 40 visits a week and am getting 23.00 per visit plus a 2.00 per visit bonus to have my paperwork done in 24 hours. Here's my question...I am getting 20 cents per visit (not per mile) for each trip under 21 miles, if the trip is 21 miles or more, I get 5.00 for that trip one way. I average 120 miles per day, not including going to and from work. Is this a normal way of compensating for car usage? Also, so many trips are so far apart I find a lot of lost time in travel that I could be seeing patients. And lastly, would negotiating with management be considered "dangerous"? Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated. I really like the people I work with but am feeling I may be getting the short end of the stick. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Transplant.

Dear Gypsy,

Are you doing traveling nursing as a home care nurse? Is that available? I would be interested to hear more. You can PM me.

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Specializes in Transplant.

Mapquest.com is the best thing for home care nursing! Could not work without it!

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dear gypsy,

are you doing traveling nursing as a home care nurse? is that available? i would be interested to hear more. you can pm me.

yes, i'm working as a travel nurse doing home health care/case management. would be glad to give you any specifics. feel free to email me. ;)

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I'm not sure if this is how it's typically done in DFW area, as I haven't worked there, but I have been to Dallas many times, as my daughter lives there, and am well aware of the distances to get anywhere, and the length of the travel times!

The fairest form of mileage compensation is the government standard reimbursement which at this time is somewhere between 40-44 cents per MILE. I've never worked home health without getting a specific per mile reimbursement.

In my job, I receive 40.5 cents per mile, regardless of the lenght of the trip. Gas prices are high in Northern California, but this more than pays for my gas while I'm working, even driving an SUV.

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Specializes in Lie detection.

>

Now that would get me to do my paperwork in time!!! I currently work fulltime in NY. My pay is around $43 per hr but that inc. mileage. We do get cell phone and any tolls reimbursed though. Our FFS rate is $53 for regular visit and $70 for start of care. I usually do avg. of 5-6 pt's/day and about 15-20 miles total if I don't go into the office.

I would love to see this board more active, I will post if ya'll do!!!

Beez

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Specializes in Med/surg, oncology,pulmonary.
Hi gals & guys:

Nurse Karen reporting in. I have 16 years home care: Early years focused on IV therapy including pain mgmt and blood administration in the home; Vent dependent teenagers and adults. Broadened out to include all aspects especially complicated wound therapy. Extensive case management including PDA Wavier and Options clients under Office of Aging programs.

Became a clinical coordinator/administrator in 1997 after 2 years of 10-12hr days, having to pick up kids and bring back to work. 2 yrs ago, started in intake/utilization review, sane hours alowing for family life. Started MSN/Family Nurse Practioner program Fall 2000 at Widener University in PA, taking one course a semester, a 4 yr haul. Do per-diem visits on WE prn.

Long term goal: setting up MD/NP housecall program in my area for hombound/disabled children and adults.

Strng advocate for patients: Served as ombudsman to SNF, assisted living and domicilary homes in my county in past. Protective services + I on first name basis.

You have a great attituide. Admirable..

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wow what a way to get back in im very excited for u.

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Specializes in Gerontology/Home Health CM, OB, ICU, MS.

I did Home Health Case Management from 1988 to 1995. When I started, I loved the fact that I was able to use all my skills, education and judgment to really make a difference. As time went on, the challenges became more headaches & the job became less and less fulfilling to me (I was going thru burnout).

I dipped my toe back in several years ago, and I could not believe OASIS. Absolutely friggin ridiculous. :eek: :no:

I doubt I'll do it again, but there is a private company nearby that I have considered working for; no OASIS & lots of the good stuff I had in the beginning.

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