I Must Be Missing Something

[DallasRN]

After MANY years of all different types of nursing (and a successful career IMHO), I decided to try HH nursing in my "golden" years. First, I read here extensively - pros and cons. I read all sorts of things online. I thought I would really enjoy it on a part time basis. Spent several hundred dollars getting set-up (new printer, new Chromebook, updated phone, added wifi to apt, bags, b/p monitor, thermometer - all that stuff you need in the field). I even hired a dog walker to the tune of $20 bucks a day so I didn't have to worry about him. I was serious about this job. Wanted it to be mutually successful. When interviewed by 4 people I was 100% upfront - no experience but excellent assessment skills and generally a quick learner.

Well, the DON hates me! Within 2 weeks She said to me, and I quote, "I didn't want to hire you but ______ said she would train you". I blew that off by saying "I think you'll be happy you did in 6 months". Two weeks later, she said it again. I didn't blow it off. Along with other comments I went to the administrator who just happens to be her son. Interesting. Nonetheless, all was better for a few days. Then...I can't please her. I document too much. I don't document enough. I should be able to take a full load. I can't take a full oad - I don't have enough experience. I can't win.

Time...I work all day seeing the "dump on new person patients" (expected), leaving home at 6:30, getting home at 5:30, then spend my days off doing paperwork and the unbelievable payroll paperwork. I'm exhausted!! I'm only supposed to work 3 days a week but constantly get messages...can you take w/e call, can you go draw blood, cath a pt. Can you see ____'s pts? She's overloaded. Can you see ____'s w/e insulin pts? On and on.

And just FYI.. I'm an oldie Goldie but I'm not "old". I do yoga, run/walk with my 70 lb dog 3-4 days a week, no meds except thyroid. So my exhaustion stems from this job and the job is now leading to depression. And I don't like that.

So after this long lead-up I'm asking...am I missing something? Is it me or just this particular agency? What do you live about HH nursing? Will it get better or should I give up with this particular DON/agency owner? And another FYI... I've only been there SEVEN weeks. Many TIA,s for any guidance.

[DallasRN]

Well, everyone, I tried. I don't think I've ever tried so hard to make a job work. I really wanted it to, but I think it was doomed from the start - as many of you said. The straw that broke the proverbial camel's back was actually kind of funny. Per the owner/DON, I was to start doing the Recerts on my own patients. First one I did she actually called me to tell me, and I literally quote, "You did a better job than some nurses that have been doing this for years" and followed that with a short piece of constructive criticism that was appropriate and appreciated by me. And I said so. Following that, I did a couple more Recents, a ROC, and a Discharge Oasis. All were approved by the QAPI person. On the last discharge, there were some new diagnoses by a new doctor just 2-3 days before the discharge and I had questions about where to enter that info. Directed the questions via e-mail to the QAPI, cc'd the DON. Was told there was no place to "capture" that info. Submitted and it was approved. A few days later it hit the fan. An email (sent to everyone - so embarrassing!!) saying I was to ask someone else my questions, and until she got "clarification" of the Oasis' I had completed with my so-called trainer, I was not to do anymore. (The trainer only showed me one). That did it. I went straight into the office and gave a 2 week notice. I'm exhausted from that woman brow-beating me. In the past 3-4 weeks I bent over backwards trying to please her. Nothing works and never will. My only consolation is now realizing it isn't just me. In the 3.5 months I've been there, we've lost the marketing person, a receptionist, a couple of HHA's and will likely lose a couple of the PRN LVN's. But life goes on. So now, I'm going to post a new thread asking for some help from y'all with more experience.

[April5293]

Sounds like the "agency" could be a big part of the problem. When family members are the administration or upper management, it can be even more difficult. Blood is thicker than water. I wouldn't give up, seems your heart is in it, maybe give it a try with a different agency. Good Luck!

[DallasRN]

April5293, I think you are absolutely correct. This was a no-win situation for me from the get-go but at least I had the opportunity to discover a new-to-me area of nursing that I found out I really enjoyed and I learned tons of new stuff. Not meaning to sound at all cocky, but after 36 years of nursing, there isn't too much I don't know about nursing per se' - assessments, labs, hospital nursing, etc. But HHN was totally new. Having the opportunity to learn a new area (and even struggle a bit in the learning - especially the OASIS stuff) felt invigorating to me. I was loving that part of it.

I've taken a few weeks off and done things I wanted and needed to to (I've chalk painted everything sitting still!! ), I'm now beginning to look for a new per diem/per visit/part time position. I don't mind working weekends/holidays so I might be a bit more marketable than I think. Fingers crossed!!

[TristleRN]

Very late reply and I haven't had a chance to paw thru other responses.... it sure sounds like you are with the wrong agency. Home health is a unique and challenging world. So much so, that retention is difficult for most agencies (that's another issue).... they must have no issue retaining staff if they would dare treat you like that. Knowing all the prep work you did before you started, I can't believe the DON said what she did. Most of that stuff, you don't need.... the agency should supply you with all your equipment and supplies.

I have been in home care for 2 years after almost 3 decades in the hospital. I love the work, but the charting is extenstive and I never feel like I am finished. It is a priviledge to work with people in the home and I love that end of it. I admit that recently, I went back to work in the hospital for primarily financial reasons, but I'm hoping to stick around on a per diem basis. Good luck, and don't be afraid to vote with your feet and look for an agency that treats you like the valuable asset you are!

[DallasRN]

Hi TristleRN and thanks for your comments. Just to update this thread, I now have a new and seemingly great job with a company that knows my limitations in home health but willing to train. The difference in the overall attitude of other nursing and clerical staff and managers is like a night/day difference. Everyone seems very goal oriented, want to do the best job possible...but they seem to truly enjoy their work and their patients. They laugh and smile a lot, they seem to like and respect each other. Just a great group.

It took me longer to get this job than I had anticipated. However, I held out for a company I thought would treat me with dignity and respect. The salary is a bit less than I would prefer (aren't we all worth a bunch more than we're paid?!? :) ) but I learned long ago, and especially with the other company...money ain't everything!! I did post a new thread ' MY NEW JOB - just to kind of update everyone that encouraged me.

[Schoolnurse73, ADN]

What agency do you work for?

[IMOKAY, BSN]

Thank you DallasRN for sharing. I'm tossing around the idea of doing HH. Still in research phase. At least in the hospital I get paid for every hour worked.

[Isabelle49]

It is that agency and those particular management personnel. Leave that agency. Find another one that respects you. Keep doing that until you find a happy medium. Remember, respect is number 1 priority for the nurse and compassionate patient care for the patients. If office can’t respect you, leave them flat!!!

[DallasRN]

Thanks all, and yes, I've now decided you do have to "bounce around" a bit to find a good fit. Nothing is ever perfect but somethings are worse than others. I'm now with my 3rd agency. Thought the second would be fantastic. It wasn't. Thus far, the 3rd seems to be at least trying to do some training with me and they're extremely busy so I don't think I'll be without referrals.

It really is hard to find respect in nursing. Maybe it's different in the hospital although it wasn't several years back when I was a hospital nurse. How many of you can recall when nursing was simple? ?

Schoolnurse73, I would never name an employer I have made negative comments about. My experience isn't necessarily the experience of others. Not to even mention the potential legal issues.