Home visits

Jayla · Nov 2, 2005

I'm a pediatric traveling nurse who's interested in public health. I was curious if anyone had any issues/problems doing home visits (if you encountered any sketchy situations). I'm just a young looking 5'0" female, and I just wanted to get some opinions. Also, as far as experience, would people usually hire those without mother/baby or L&D experience for these types of public health positions? THANKS!

With a background in pediatrics you might get hired to work in a PHN program like Infants and Toddlers. I was hired as a PHN without any mom/baby or L&D experience--in fact, with hardly any RN experience at all.

Yes, home visits can present interesting issues, but it's a good way to really get an idea of what your patients are faced with daily. Probably the biggest issue are bugs. It's hard to concentrate when you're watching them climb the wall behind your patient's head--but I'm bug-phobic.

MOst of my patients are pregnant women and alone during the day. On occassion I've felt a little uncomfortable with the FOB present, but have never had any problems. One time I refused to go in when a pt's husband came to the door half naked. I rescheduled and brought a colleague with me to the visit. Hopefully you can buddy up in uncomfortable situations, but this is something I would definitely ask about during an interview.

lauren728 · Jan 4, 2006

Thanks Jayla! I actually got the job, and will be working with pregnant women as well! Do you have any safety tips at all? Or other general tips? I'm really excited about the job!

Jayla · Jan 6, 2006

Thanks Jayla! I actually got the job, and will be working with pregnant women as well! Do you have any safety tips at all? Or other general tips? I'm really excited about the job!

Congratulations! You'll be great!

Just don't go into a house/apt if your gut tells you something is wrong. Trust your instinct and go back another time with another nurse. If possible, try to place yourself between the pt and the door, so you are always closest to the door. Be aware of your surroundings. I'm sure you'll be fine and won't have any problems.

One other thing...If at all possible, try to avoid taking food from pts. Many will offer it as appreciation of services, but you never know how the food is prepared or what might be in it. If it's a can of soda, that's one thing...but you know what I mean! You can always use the excuse that you just ate.

pedsnurse112 · Oct 31, 2011

I'm looking for a public health nursing job involving infants/children. Any suggestions for organizations? I have a background in pediatric nursing.

BrewerRN · Nov 1, 2011

Check out your local health departments, rural health clinics and home health agencies for case management positions. That's how I found mine.