Leaving the hospital for HH

[Pinknurse_]

Hello, I am a new nurse with 10 months of pediatric experience on a med surg floor. I actually do like my job but working nights is getting hard on me and days isn't an option right night. I started a per diem job as a home health nurse and I do like it. (Expect the charting and driving) They offered me a full time position with more money. This is a mon-Fri job and I believe it will be more flexible than the hospital even tho I'm giving up four days off. I guess I'm tore between leaving the hospital without completing my one year of experience. ( only 2 months left) And not gaining more experience. Part of me wants to stay and possible transfer to nicu. Another part of me wants the least stressful job, and more flexible hours. Any advice on how to decide? 
 

Thank you. 

[Julia Liou, RN]

Thank you for sharing your situation! The first year of nursing is always a lot to decide! I have a lot of nursing classmates that had switched from medsurg to non hospital related jobs within the first 6 months. I feel like hospital jobs would always be there for you. You can always try the home care job, and if you don't like the 5 days a week jam, just try to get a job in the NICU? I'm sure your experience in peds will be an asset to the unit! One of my classmates went from public health nursing to NICU after about a year and a half of doing public health. She actually got into one of the most recognized NICU hospitals in our province (State). And you do have the Peds Inpatient Unit experience, which is great as well to eventually get into NICU. I wonder if you can still remain casual in your Peds unit to maintain your bedside nursing skills? It doesn't hurt to ask! Best of luck! 

[Susan B.]

The first year of nursing is physically and emotionally exhausting for everyone. Full of uncertainties! Full of questioning your decision to go into nursing! Everyone is fully competent, well-organized, overflowing with confidence...except YOU!  I say all that to simply tell you not to think home health us some sort of panacea.  A caveat: I tried HH and it definitely wasn't for me.  Much longer hours than I had anticipated. Wore my car out driving here, there, and everywhere.

Personally, I would strongly advise remaining in the hospital environment for a while longer.  Take advantage of what your peers and other staff have to offer in terms of learning.  And support. It can be scary out there when things happen/questions come up and there is nobody to help or ask. I tried HH after MANY years of ER/ICU and a bit of med-surge and I felt like a fish flopping on the shore. Give your next move some serious thought. Best of luck whatever your decision is! 

[Jeanmarie]

I remembered I felt similar as you described and its been many yrs! I did  go into home health  because I had small kids and couldnt work nights.

I don't have any regrets.That being said ,if you love peds and want to grow as a peds  nurse in that specalty, then do HH in peds.If not, then look for a day position in a NICU in another hospital. PEDS HH will be alot of driving since there are less cases. Yes the documentation is a killer ,worse than it was .All care is driven by insurance now which can be quite discouraging.

When Idid HH , I worked with adults for 5yrs, then switched to a well mom and baby program I loved!! I also saw peds for 2 f/u visits post hospital dc. HH is alot of teaching which I loved.

The great thing about nursing that all of your experiences will be worthwhile!

Ya just never know !