Home Health vs. Working in a Facility

[IsmeAmanda, LPN]

Hey ya'll,

I'm currently working as a CNA in a home health setting. Usually my clients just came from a rehabilitation center and are living at home again. My job is to help them gain independence so they can live alone again.

It has its pro's and con's. Pros are I see the same clients each week and watch them personally progress. The con's are I dont like dirty houses and I dont like smoking in the home. These are two things that I have to deal with.

I have to admit, if there is an emergency in the home my supervisor nurse is not just a call away. My first action would be to call 911 and give CPR (if needed) Which I am prepared to do, but its still a little scary for me since I've not yet faced that situation.

I've never worked in a facility but I think I want to. Because there is no smoking on the premises at the LTC places here. (Only outside in a designated area which I will never go to, lol) And the room's of the LTC places I've been too are pretty clean.

I also like the idea of having my superivsor or even a doctor in house when needed.

SO, has anyone worked both? What do you think?

[mvm2]

Is there a way you could ask for non smokers as clients? When I was interviewed, and had my oriantation. One of the questions they asked is if I had a problem with smokers houses or animals. I said I did not have a problem with animals, but I said I do have slight asthma so non smoking houses were something I definetly would want.

[Abigail612]

Here are some pros and cons...

PROs:

Other CNA staff to lean on

Nurses are in building and even work alongside

Usually better working conditions (up to date and maintained equipment like lifts, whirlpools, supplies on hand pretty much at all times, ect...)

Usually a House Keeping and Kitchen crew (during certain shifts) so you don't have to

Therapy staff close at hand if you have concerns

CONs:

Heavier work loads I have any were between 9-13 residents on evening shift and on nights I can have anywere between 16-25

The types of residents at facilities tend to be different than at home (more dependant, a lot sicker, and have more behaviors)

Though you will usually have a partner, however somtimes they are not at the same level as you and you have to pick up their slack, they may also be hard to get along with or unhelpful.

You can not have a lot of one on one time with patients, I have had some nights that were so busy that I barely had more than 15 minutes at a time with any one individual.

You really have to be good at manageing your time and multitasking, it does not take much to get behind!

Those were what came to mind, hope this helps!