Curious about HH and Hospice nursing

[OB RNC]

I am currently an obstetrics nurse working on a labor and delivery unit in a hospital. Through this unit, I also have experience triaging obstetrical and gynecological patients. I started in this unit as a new graduate and so have no other experience except as a nurse's assistant on a pediatric floor. I am looking for a new job b/c I can't handle the hours (nights, weekends, holidays), and I am considering home health or hospice. I am looking for a position where I can have flexible hours, no weekends or nights, and have been led to believe by a co-worker that you can make even more money at this than we do one my unit. Is this true?

Also, I am concerned about jumping into either of these jobs when I only have experience as an L&D nurse instead of say med-surg experience. Do you get training before they send you out alone? Can someone describe what happens on a regular visit? What is the difference between a skilled and unskilled agency? How do you go about finding openings at either of these agencies?

Thanks! :)

[tewdles, RN]

Your lack of general nursing experience may prove difficult for you in the field with a complicated patient...in either home care or hospice.

[caliotter3]

You don't want unskilled. That is for uncertified caregivers off the street. You are a licensed nurse so you would want a skilled nursing agency. You have to be proactive about getting the orientation and training you need. Many agencies don't provide much, if any. You very likely will not make more money. Get rid of that notion. You need to decide whether you want to do intermittent visit work or extended care, or shift work. Extended care is easier to start with. You work with one patient for an entire shift, anywhere from four to 12 hours usually. It is routine care for stable patients. You should brush up on trach care, GT care, and try to pick up info on vents. Look at the stickies at the top of this forum for a start. I would start out with a shift or two with your current job. Then you will still be employed if you decide that you don't want to continue with the home health job.