Interested in Home Health

Jade Harley · Aug 28, 2013

Don't do Home Health. It's not worth it. I am a home maker and I hate this job.

nicole anne, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2013

Hi akc_RN,

I thought I would give a differing opinion from the pervious post.

I started in pediatric home health care about 6 months ago (prior to that I worked in a skilled nursing facility for a year). At first it was really hard. I knew I had enough skills to do the job and was very qualified for the patients I was taking care of however, sometimes the parents can be a really tough. The family I first started with had nursing services for 15 years and were VERY particular about how things were done (even installing cameras and watching from other rooms, only to later point out that you put 3 washcloths out instead of 4) - very stressful and not a relaxed environment. After giving it a fair shot, I decided that family was not the best fit for me and asked to be transferred to another case. I now work with the best family and even better patient! Most days, I feel like another member of the family and they definitely treat me like it too :) I have one main case and spend my shifts in the home or traveling wherever the patient goes. I love what I'm doing, something I NEVER thought I would say about home health care.

Home health may not be for everyone. Honestly it depends on the case you get and if the family fits with your personality. If you're not comfortable, don't be afraid to ask to be moved. It was hard to move on from the first family and continue to have confidence that I could keep working in home health, but I did and now I love it! My advice would be to give it a try. You never know what your nursing path is until you try different areas. Don't let other discourage you if it's really something you want to try!

Good luck!