Leaving Home Health Nursing

JustMeRN · Apr 3, 2015

Could you find a refresher class, or certificate class, or even take acls and get certified? Not that you probably need a refresher class (I agree, you don't really ever forget) but it looks good. And having acls and or pals gives you a leg up.

Kcattanp · Apr 3, 2015

I was thinking about that. Does sound like a good idea. Thank you.

Tampa121 · Apr 10, 2015

I didn't renew my ACLS this year, and now am kicking myself in the butt!

babynurse73 · Apr 10, 2015

Has anyone ever tried to leave home health nursing? I have bee a visiting nurse now for 7 years. I went into home health because it was something I always wanted to try, had a very positive experience in nursing school. However, after 2 years, I realized I am more of an acute care setting nurse. Actually became homesick for the ER. I have been trying now for the last 5 years to leave, but I'm being told I don't have enough experience to work in the acute care setting. Prior to home health nursing, I had 13 years of acute care experience. I actually had one recruiter tell me it's been too long since I've read a monitor. I told her it's like riding a bike, you don't forget, and asked her to give me the rest right then and there. Of coorifice she didn't, was only an excuse. Anyone with any ideas or suggestions? Anyone else come up against this obstacle?

Hard to believe you can't get into a hospital after 13 years acute-care experience! My hospital hires new grads (if they have a BSN) for crying out loud. Do you have your BSN?

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Wendy

Kcattanp · Apr 10, 2015

I didn't renew my ACLS this year, and now am kicking myself in the butt!

Now I'm starting to believe it has nothing to do with reading monitors or ACLS. I applied for a med/Surg position, and was declined for that too.

Kcattanp · Apr 10, 2015

I can't believe it either Wendy. The position I was denied because I haven't read a monitor? Given to a new grad. I wonder WHAT the recruiters think we do in the field. We do the same skills as an acute care nurse, it's just geography.

Libby1987 · Apr 10, 2015

I can't believe it either Wendy. The position I was denied because I haven't read a monitor? Given to a new grad. I wonder WHAT the recruiters think we do in the field. We do the same skills as an acute care nurse, it's just geography.

I can't say that I could return to acute care myself but I would like to bring home health naive folks out with me to see what we do in the home and the skills we use. I've taught/refreshed more than a few acute care nurses things that have been sitting in the recesses of their knowledge base.

Kcattanp · Apr 11, 2015

Thank you for that.

joy&caring · Apr 17, 2015

Sounds like you have a lot of experience!

How about adding ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, ENPC to your list of certificates?

Since you've had past ED experience, you could take the CEN to show that you still have the knowledge.

I know this might cost quite a penny, but you could get the essential certificates, submit your applications to hospitals, and see what happens.

I've kept myself updated with ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, & ENPC, just so I stay up-to-date with the skills. Its stuff you are familiar with already

Update us on how it goes! It could help some of us (with years of experience in acute care and home care) transition back to the hospital.

Kcattanp · Apr 19, 2015

One of my coworkers was in the process of doing this, and was told by a nurse recruiter for an acute care position, not to waste the money, it wouldn't help. It's starting to be very discouraging.

CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2015

I can't believe it either Wendy. The position I was denied because I haven't read a monitor? Given to a new grad. I wonder WHAT the recruiters think we do in the field. We do the same skills as an acute care nurse, it's just geography.

Is your situation such that you could go with an agency and use that as a stepping stone to get into the hospital you wan? Or go work in an LTAC for a year or so? Agencies around here (Michigan) pay very well for that type of experience and it is good resume material.