home health?

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I've been looking for a job for about a month since I got let go from the local jail. I've applied at over a dozen places and only got one call for an interview and that was too far away. All the places I've applied have been hospitals (which I know are'nt hiring around here) and nursing homes, which I'm surprised none have called me back since I have over a year experience in one. But that is very part-time and probably all the nurses with experience that got laid off from hospitals are going to the nursing homes. Anyway, I have noticed a few ads for home health nurses. I've never done anything like that and have no idea what they do. My sister worked as a home health aide for awhile and hated it, but that was'nt a nurse position either. Anybody have any info on what they do and if it would be worth it to apply since I have only worked in corrections and retirement homes?

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Specializes in Psych.

Hi there. I worked in home health for a year and loved it. I had previously worked in LTC. On nurse visits I generally had to spend at least 30 minutes with the patient. You do a lot of patient/family teaching, also prefilling med boxes, wound care, and lab draws. I saw 6-8 patients per day. It was great not being confined to a building, but you will put a lot of miles on your vehicle.

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Thanks for the reply. I guess it could'nt hurt to apply for it. I also wonder if I should apply to jobs out of state? Even though Fort Wayne is in another state, its only about 45 miles from where I live and there seems to be a few openings over there. Most of the ads say must have license, but since I have an Ohio license, is it hard to get a license in another state or should I just apply first and worry about that if they offer me something?

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Specializes in Psych.

In order for me to get my LA license(original state of licensure is TX) I had to send in an application with a fee and a notarized copy of a passport photo, have my transcripts sent to the state board from my nursing school, send a fingerprint card to the FBI (with a fee) for a background check, and pay to have my TX license verified to LA. I would check the other states website and see what must be done for licensure, the fees do add up and I would only apply if seriously considering employment in that state.

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Specializes in SNF, home health.

Hi medsport, if you're having a hard time finding work, home health would be a sure bet. Here in California, jobs in HH are numerous, I occasionally get a job offer from other agencies. I think that's because my resume is posted online on monster.com. I kindly turned them down, no one has made any better offers for me to switch. My agency keeps busy 6-7 days a week, and about 65 hours weekly.

As for what nurses do in hh, either you do home visits which nursewoody explained, or shift work. I chose shift, I finally have my own pt, where I work M-S. I say "my own" because, I'm the only nurse on this case. I work all hours available, from 10a-6p. Most agencies have lists of cases with not enough nurses to cover all shifts. The shifts vary on the family's preference and need. Might be a few hours a day or 12 shift, maybe more. I usually work sundays for extra money.

These cases also vary on different kinds of patients. From pediatric to geriatric with dissabilities, disorders, illnesses. Some children are vent dependat with trachs and require more diligent care. i.e. monitoring the ventilator, suctioning, breathing treatments. Most of my past pts had GTs, which all meds and feedings go thru. You take and record V/S and report to an RN supervisor of any significant changes. You also assist or perform ADL's depending on pts ability. Accompany pt and pcg to dr appts., call in med refills, supplies. Hmm, can't think of anything else right now, but I'm sure you'll get more or better answers.

I say apply at various agencies, and give it a try, choose one that offers what you're looking for. Look for a case close to home with the right hours, the right pay and he right patient and family. I have gone through several families til I found this one, I adore my pt.

Well I've rambled enough.... hope this helps with your decision.

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Yeah, that does'nt sound bad, at least your not passing meds 80% of the time like in a nursing home. I was going to apply to the one I found, but noticed it was in Toledo which is an hour drive, so I decided to wait to find one closer. It did say it would train you though, which would be nice because I only have limited experience with g-tubes and have'nt had a trach patient yet except for after it was taken out. I applied to Monster, Maxim and several positons on Interim and none of them have called me for some reason. The only one that did was Sunbelt out of Florida and most of their jobs are traveling assignments and no openings in my area yet.

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what are some good home health agencies.. i live in texas but just curious.. you see a lot of adds but never know if their legit

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Specializes in SNF, home health.

ho-hum:icon_roll, I was at my local Trader Joe's grocery store here in soCal, when the cashier asked how my day at the hospital was. I politely answered as usual, that I'm a home care nure, I care for 1 patient in their home. He said, ohh, well on day you can "aspire" to work in one. What?! I said, I chose this. I love all my patients that I've had over the years and for NOW, I am happy being one. Well, one day you might change your mind. I said, one day I might be sent to care for you or a family member in their home and then you'll see that we are imporant too! Well, just venting.....

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