New Grad HH ?

ame222 · Oct 7, 2008

I also live in a rural area where jobs are somewhat scarce. Yes, I do believe it is possible for a new Grad to suceed in Home Care, however, this also depends on what clinical experience you had in nsg. school and what type of orientation you will be provided when you start. To be very honest though, I would believe getting some clinical experience in different areas, learning how to make astute clinical decisions, Physician/nurse interractions, etc. would make it easier for you. I was a nurse for over 30 years, did a multitude of different things from ER, Trauma to Geriatrics and Oncology...all of which I enjoyed. And...even still, Home Care took alot of learning, it's a "different type of nursing" than in a controlled setting. It requires alot of organization, assessing, teaching and ALOT of paperwork, much of it done at home and alot of driving (in a rural area, also). This was a big adjustment for me, I still ask alot of questions, and I've seen alot (environmental and domestically) and I'm persuaded that there are some people who couldn't and wouldn't do what we do out here. It takes alot or determination to catch on and really feel like you're doing a good enough job. I've heard that Home Health Care is Nursings best kept secret. I've always wondered just what "they" meant by that. Can someone let me know...really, I'm curious. And to you scubadoo, best wishes in your endeavors. This forum is a big help and provides alot of support.

jbudrick, MSN · Oct 12, 2008

Yes it is possible to go to HH as a new grad. I did it. I graduated from a community college ASN program. After I graduated I received several terrific job offers. I quickly discovered there was no daycare available for my daughter to cover the hours that the hospitals and LTC expected me to work. I did not think homecare was an option until I saw an advertisement in the local paper asking for new grads to apply for a home care agency. I landed a job at the most prestigious local agency. They hired one new grad every year. The orientation was extensive. I went out on visits with other nurses for several week and had extensive "classes". I worked there six months before I was "on call." Help was a phone call away. The supervisors were always supportive and encouraged my questions.

Most skills needed in home care are taught in service since the equipment and supplies change periodically. Basics like catheterizations, blood draws and injections can be done with another nurse a time or two.

No clinical job can prepare you for the pyschosocial aspects of home care. The teaching aspect in the home is very challenging. You will want to find out about the demographics of the community you will serve. In home care for medical patients I see a lot of wounds, urinary catheters, chronic and stable elderly, diabetes, CHF and everything else under the sun. The agency I work with now has pyschiatric patients also. I couldn't make up the stuff I see everyday.

The job is very satisfying. I work with the patient/family group one on one and I have actually helped patients and families.

Last year I completed my BSN through Excelsior. The classes were relevant for what I am doing in home care and have enhanced my practice.

Good luck.

Diana

PromoteHealth4U · Oct 13, 2008

ScubadooII - I was concerned as you were about starting in HH without any hospital experience. Of course, we had experience in school, but that is not too extensive for most of us. I live in rural area, also, and the closest big city is at least 1 hour away. I am starting my 8th week in HH nursing as a new grad this week. I don't think I could ever work in a hospital full-time after this experience. I love the fact that we see patient's one-on-one without interruptions from other staff or patients. I also like the teaching aspect of it and being able to care for patients in their home, where they really want to be when they are sick. You have a lot of contact with other family members and see psychosocial aspects of nursing that you are not exposed to in the hospital. Most patients are grateful to have a nurse out to see them after D/C from the hospital. I work with a great bunch of nurses, two of whom have over 50 years in nursing. They love to provide guidance, so I am lucky. There is a lot of paperwork, more so than in the hospital, but once you get used to it and accept it - it will become part of the routine. If you have resources for questions in your agency and a good training program, then I would give it a try. This is where I wanted to be in the long-term, so I am happy to have the opportunity so soon. Good Luck!

honeybee08 · Oct 14, 2008

ScubadooII - I was concerned as you were about starting in HH without any hospital experience. Of course, we had experience in school, but that is not too extensive for most of us. I live in rural area, also, and the closest big city is at least 1 hour away. I am starting my 8th week in HH nursing as a new grad this week. I don't think I could ever work in a hospital full-time after this experience. I love the fact that we see patient's one-on-one without interruptions from other staff or patients. I also like the teaching aspect of it and being able to care for patients in their home, where they really want to be when they are sick. You have a lot of contact with other family members and see psychosocial aspects of nursing that you are not exposed to in the hospital. Most patients are grateful to have a nurse out to see them after D/C from the hospital. I work with a great bunch of nurses, two of whom have over 50 years in nursing. They love to provide guidance, so I am lucky. There is a lot of paperwork, more so than in the hospital, but once you get used to it and accept it - it will become part of the routine. If you have resources for questions in your agency and a good training program, then I would give it a try. This is where I wanted to be in the long-term, so I am happy to have the opportunity so soon. Good Luck!

Thank you so much. THis was helpful as I am a fairly new nurse (2007) and had a job for 2.5 months in a hospital where I didn't really want to work but thought I had to to get into home care. The job did not work out at all. I have been job hunting now for 6 months and am now starting to apply for home health jobs. THANK YOU for the encouragement.

honeybee08 · Oct 14, 2008

Thanks for sharing. I am a fairly new nurse with 2.5 months experience in a hospital (a really bad fit) and wasn't sure it was possible for me to try HHC. I was about to give up on this idea. thanks