Interested in Home Health

[clhRN14]

I have been a pediatric RN, in the hospital setting, for 9 months now. We get a range of acute and chroniv cases (i have experience with g-buttons, NGTs, O2 therapy, PICC lines, ports, etc.). I also float to our intermedicate care nursery, so I have some experience with premies as well (as young as 32 wks). I work nights and TONS of weekends which is taking it toll on me because I feel like I never see my kids. I would eventually like to be a school nurse but a lot of schools where I live want their RNs to have community health experience. I am considering doing home health for a few years to get some experience and who knows maybe I will love it enough to stick with it. My questions are: 1) should I stick where I am longer before applying to a HH agency, 2) what are pros and cons of HH, 3) is the schedule really flexible (if not I might as well stick out where I am). Thanks in advance!!! I think I would enjoy it because I love the education side of nursing, love getting to know my pts, and like the autonomy and creativity opportunities that come from HH. Would love to hear opinions!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Most HH want 1-2 years solid acute care. Scheduling and pros/cons vary by company. Realize that many have you driving all over a large geographic area which may well go outside of the bounds of normal hours so nothing gained. Also many have rotating call during weekdays (nights) and full weekends (24 hr/d), which means you have to be available at the drop of a hat, again not conducive to family life with kids unless you are willing to be flexible. Again, varies by agency, so you will need to check your area agencies for specifics

[Michele2175]

I'm thinking of changing from the ICU setting in NY to local Visiting Nurse here in NJ. Anyone know what the average hourly rate is for VNS NJ & how to get the most bang for your buck...ie certifications etc?

Ty!