Is it me or is it just the way it is???

[wintergurl060]

I was hired as a home health nurse as soon as I graduated nursing school (May 2009). I had no experience. I have not had an unfortunate event, and do not wish to. Home health nursing is not a perfect fit for me and I have been seeking opportunities elsewhere, however I find when employers inquire about my nursing experience and I tell them home health, it seems as though I'm looked down upon, received a blank expression or hear the famous word, "oh, humm, ha" What does that mean?

Is it really difficult to go from home health to research facility, doctor's office, hospital?

Are home health nurses respected for their profession, or is it the employment sector is so screwed up and employers are just darn selected?

If anyone has had similar experiences, please let me know. I would like to advance my career in nursing and is in need of advice.

[PurpleLVN]

Could it be both you and the employer's attitude about HH that is affecting your advancement? Just by reading your post it seems you did not enjoy HH. I did pediatric home health for one year and was hired as a research nurse at a medical school shortly afterwards. Granted, I had experience in the area they were hiring in, but I portrayed an appreciation for the HH job, formed a great work ethic and was able to get references from several nurses that I worked with. Chalk up all jobs-good and bad as stepping stones to your goal!! Good Luck!! :redpinkhe

[LPN_2005/RN_10]

When you are interviewing it'll help if you sound enthusiastic about what you've learned at your home health job and is seeking additional experience by working another specialty. When an employer ask about where you work before, don't just say home health care and become silent. Sell yourself, tell them you're able to work independently dealing with different people with various health care issues, experience in supervising home health aides, performing assessments on a daily basis, have time management skills, and whatever else you do! You are getting all of these interviews, now convince them you are worth hiring!

[wintergurl060]

Thanks LPN_2005 and PurpleLVN for your prompt reply.

I will take your advice into consideration.

Have a wonderful week.

[Music in My Heart]

In complete agreement with both of the previous respondents.

However, you're also correct about it being in part due to the jacked up labor market. From what I can see, hospitals are being very, very selective in their hiring right now. Not only do they often demand acute-care experience, they're generally demanding unit-specific experience.

I would advise you to continue to learn on your own, though. For example, become an expert on ECGs. Know your cardiac patho cold... have your meds down pat. In short, be prepared not only to be able to demonstrate how your HH clinical experience will apply but also to dazzle them with your knowledge and motivation.

[wintergurl060]

Hi ♪♫ in my ♥;

Thanks for your reply.

I don't hate HH, its not a perfect fit because I don't get the experience that I need to meet the challenges of today's nurses or the upcoming grads. I feel if I continue to stay in HH, it will damage my career. I've told my DON that I would consider HH part-time, but not full-time and they agreed to this.

So I'm seeking full-time employment elsewhere, I don't mind keeping HH part-time because it does offer independence, but it is just not challenging. I do assessments and teachings.....I do very little procedures (wound care)...

HH would be an excellent job for the sick-of-the-politics-hospital/clinic settings...But I just got started, I need time to be burn out like the rest...hahaha.

Your advice was very much appreciated.

[PurpleLVN]

Hi ♪♫ in my ♥;

Thanks for your reply.

I don't hate HH, its not a perfect fit because I don't get the experience that I need to meet the challenges of today's nurses or the upcoming grads. I feel if I continue to stay in HH, it will damage my career. I've told my DON that I would consider HH part-time, but not full-time and they agreed to this.

So I'm seeking full-time employment elsewhere, I don't mind keeping HH part-time because it does offer independence, but it is just not challenging. I do assessments and teachings.....I do very little procedures (wound care)...

HH would be an excellent job for the sick-of-the-politics-hospital/clinic settings...But I just got started, I need time to be burn out like the rest...hahaha.

Your advice was very much appreciated.

I totally understand and agree with you-it's really not challenging enough for a nurse who's still able and yearning new experiences and opportunities. I left pediatric HH fulltme b/c I felt like a babysitter! The family had 3 kids-the disabled child was 9 and I had to "clean" the kid's room just to let the tutors and therapists in daily. I showered (carried the kid to and from the parent's shower), changed the diapers, tube-feedings, entertained ,helped with homework, etc. 10 hours, 4 days a week!! And the mom didn't work!! Loved the child, not that particular assignment! But I held on until a new opportunity came along!

[wintergurl060]

PurpleLVN;

I second that emotion....I have patients calling me to go and pick up their medications, and to come and see them to help feed their relative...

I just received my turn down notice today from a company I interviewed with 2 months ago. They might consider me as a hop-around person because I put down HH as a part-time job and prior to that I worked for a facility as a nurses aide for 1 year that was not hiring new RN grads ...The company I interviewed with I told them this and to feel free to check my references... and I was told they did from previous and present employer...

I did speak with a recruiter today who told me I will still be considered as a new graduate because of no hospital experience and they aren't hiring anymore new grads until the spring. I sent my resume anyway hoping for the best.

My final alternative is go back being a medical assistant, and down play the RN license because I need to eat, I like to eat (hahaha), and keep HH as part-time.....I'm beginning to think I would have been better off remaining a medical assistant because of the job security and even some medical assistants travel.

[PurpleLVN]

Oh wintergurl060, please don't regret getting your RN. Keep the faith!! I know the job market is bleak now but it's bound to pick up. Although HH isn't your first option in a new career, it is a job!!! But you've got to do what's right for you. Have you checked out the job tab at the top of the page for jobs in your area? What about careerbuilder and monster.com...:)

[Phase2Pro]

Yes! But alway stress how much more acute the patients are than they were 5 years ago. I have been in HH for 10 years and the acuity level has tripled. We now have patients with dopamine in the home and we did not have that just a few years ago. Also remember to stress how you have to be a great med-surg generalist to function well as a HH nurse and how you are out there on your own so you have to really know your stuff. If you can make them see what you have to know and do, they will put you in a different light. I know I learned and did more in the field than in the hospital. I worked hem/onc for a year and never accessed a mediport because the IV team always did it. HH had me doing it the first week. You just gotta sing your own praises.

[wintergurl060]

Thanks PurpleLVN and smdaltonrn for your words and wisdom and encouragement.:)

Its a new year, I'll keep looking, I ran out of places in my home state, I have applied in other states, hoping to get a call soon and smdaltonrn I know there are HH agencies that does a great deal more than the agency I worked for...I have applied to a few especiall to the ones that is heavy on IV infusion therapy and med-surg, now I'm waiting for an answer to see if they are willing to train.

Thanks again