Is it hard to move from hospice home health to the hospital setting?

[ninaricci]

Although I am still concerned about the possible lengthy hours I am going to accept the job with hospice home health. My patients will be in skilled and/or unskilled facilities which, I think, is preferable to actually going into private homes. They also provide a laptop which hopefully will enable me to chart from home if need be. My other job option was with the hospital, days, but straight weekends which really troubled my 12 year old. the hospice job will give me weekends, holidays, even some snow days which is more complimentary to the kid's schedule.

If I can ask a couple more questions: I will do call one night a week 5p-8am. Triage nurses are the front line for on call so I'm hoping that will provide a cushion (ie. lessen the times I have to go out). Do you all do call and if so how frequently does it occur and what types of incidents and stress level? My second question: I have 2 years experience in critical care which is the totality of my nursing career. I am somewhat fearful that removing myself from the hospital, especially with limited experience, to do the home health care will make it hard for me to be accepted back into the hospital setting if indeed I find I made the wrong choice and what to go back. Any thoughts?

Again, I truly thank you...your comments are helping me achieve a greater level of peace with my decision!!!!

[caliotter3]

You have to go either way. Either way will have consequences for the near future. You can't stand in one place forever. Nurses change specialties all the time and many times throughout a career. I would not worry about going back to a hospital setting until that becomes your goal. Good luck with your new job.