Is Home Health Aide good experience?

[joanna2019]

Hello,

I finished my first semester of nursing school and I'm already slightly stressed about looking for a job after graduation next year. I am currently working at a home health agency and am taking care of patients who require medication reminders, denture care, doing their physical therapy exercises with them, transporting to the bathroom, changing them, giving eyedrops or inhalers,etc.

I personally do think this has helped me feel more experienced and comfortable, but does anyone know what employers think of home health experience as a nursing student?

thank you so much!!

[nurse_flo_marie, MSN, RN]

Congrats on being so close to the end of nursing school! I worked in home health during nursing school because it freed up my time to study. I think the advantage techs/PCAs/CNAs who work in facilities have is that they take care of multiple patients/clients during their shift (so they know about time management & facility culture/expectations). All new grad nurses are new grad nurses. If you are able to convey your skill sets, what sets you apart & that challenges don't scare you, you will do fine. This is coming from a nurse who has been on both ends of the hiring game. Good luck!