New grad, advice please

[JerseyGir1]

I know what you all think of new grads in HH. I would love it if the job market wasn't so bad and I could quickly get a med/surg job, then in 6 months to a year start looking into HH, but I just don't think I will get any job that fast, let alone another one in a year or so. What I'm saying is, in this economy I feel like I have to go for what I really want to do, and put all my effort into find that kind of job. I want to do homecare for two reasons. 1) I fell in love with it during my rotation... the time you can spend with patients, the autonomy, even the driving around. 2) My goal is to be an FNP (starting masters in fall '09, will take 2 years). I really feel like HH would be great experience for that: assessment skills, thinking on your own, etc.

Here are my specific questions: What would be the hardest things for a new grad to handle in homecare? And does anyone feel HH nursing would be good experience for an aspiring family nurse practitioner?

Thanks.

-May'09 Grad

[HmarieD]

I do think HH would be a great background for a FNP, however... I don't mean to be discouraging, but it would be a mistake to jump straight into HH. You absolutely need a solid med-surg foundation with other professionals around to assist and advise before you begin practicing independently in the pt's home.

[JerseyGir1]

Thank you for your honest reply. I will probably be getting a hospital job before anything else.. although who knows how long that will take at this time!

[caliotter3]

Don't be discouraged. Just accept the current situation as a given and continue with your job search until you get a place to start out. It would be best to have some experience before you go into home health. While it is possible to start there with a good orientation and mentoring program, the likelihood of finding an agency willing to give you extensive attention is not high. Just keep on looking and you will be in home health sooner than you think.