How to get hired in HH as a new grad?

[lbarnes1]

Hi, I'm just starting the RN program at CSCC in Columbus, OH. I understand that there is a surplus of nurses in central OH right now and the market for new grads is very tight. I think I want to go into home health nursing after graduation. I'm an excellent student with good grades, but the only health care employment I have is 6 months of part-time STNA work in LTC from a few years ago. I'm very concerned about this because right now the only jobs for HH nurses in Columbus want experience. Here are my questions:

1. What should I be doing NOW to make myself marketable?

2. Do you think I could get "experience" by volunteering for a HH agency? I'm in a financial position where I could afford to volunteer. If I got aggressive and presented myself as a very professional, motivated nursing student, do you think I could persuade a HH nurse to let me shadow her for a while? I could offer to help be another set of arms to help with transfers/moving pts, offer to do STNA tasks, offer to help with driving so the nurse can chart of make calls between visits, offer to do other tasks like like blood draws as my nursing school education progresses. Ideally, I'd like a chance to learn the job of a HH nurse by volunteering one day per week -- does this sound feasible?

3. More experience as a STNA or HHA?

4. One of the reasons I'm interested in HH is that I think this is an area of nursing where the jobs aren't as tight as hospital nursing. (NOT my only reason!) Can anyone comment on this?

The job market here in central OH has got me worried . . . I want to use my time for the next 2 years of school as wisely as I can, so thanks for any advice!

Lisa

[caliotter3]

I would suggest you get a home health agency to hire you as a HHA or CNA. Once you are working for a company, it is more likely that they will allow you to stay on in a licensed nurse role.

[cwood88]

I also would suggest getting a cna position with a home health agency. I did that myself with hospice I worked for them for 6 years and while I was going to nursing school. And they did offer me a job when I graduated however, I declined b/c I really wanted the hospital experience. And I am really glad I did work in the hospital for one year b/c there is so much that I wasn't taught in nursing school or things that I really didn't have enough experience doing and it really helped me when I did go to HH. So consider that before you go into HH b/c in home health you don't have a co-worker right beside you to help or to help with decisions, you are on your own.

[sn216]

I agree with the previous replies. I worked for a HHA as an aid and was hired after graduation. I was told by the director that they don't hire new grad RNs, but because I did a good job at work and in school, I was offered a position. I love working in home health, but it can be challenging especially for a new grad. It's an autonomous position which requires collaboration and extensive documentation.

I would suggest working as an aid while going to school. You can "test" out the agency and see if you like it there too! If you do, let them know you are interested in working there as a RN.

Good luck to you!! :)