I have been working in LTC for 2 and half yrs and I have hated almost every minute of it. I went from nights to weekends and it takes all week for me to calm down to deal with the weekend bs. I also work hospice during the week and I absolutely love it. I do not work full time anywhere because I am working on ADN, RN. Anyway my point is, will home health actually be a lot better than LTC? Or is the the same bs just different setting. I know if I can work nearly 3 yrs in LTC, I am thinking I can work in home health until I finish the ADN program( just a bit over a yr). One bonus I can think of already is the one to one pt care will be fantastic compared to the 25 I have in LTC. Does anyone have any advise to make my transition any easier?
I will be home health not private duty. I was told I would see about 10 PTs a day intermittent visits. I was told most insulin, wound care or iv's I would be doing.
You'll be busy. A lot of it comes down to preference. I have a close friend who did home health for a while - and she really liked the interaction, and ability to take time with just one patient (no call lights in the background), BUT it was also hectic especially in bad weather- call ins are a BIG problem if you don't have a vehicle that can deal with the extremes wherever you are. :) There will be office politics everywhere...with HH, you at least get a break between patients. But it can be a LOT of running around- not all agencies arrange their visits in groups that are close together- so you may be running all over the place. Check the mileage reimbursement.
peds private duty is way different. A lot of families want you to be servants and maids. You see some pretty dysfunctional stuff. Stay professional, you went to school for a long time. If it's not for you get out. Some people love it and do it for years. I get very depressed doing 12 hr shifts in someones house for.....what???
I'm currently doing peds hh extended care. I hate it. Its' not for me and I'm trying very hard to get out of it. I always loved children but the hh is not for me and I do find it depressing.
merrymmary
38 Posts
I'm aware. I've done bothe. I prefer visits. and not private pay.