New grad needing advice on job hunt

[oceanblue52]

Hi everyone, I am a new grad that started at a home health agency 2 months ago. I got just under 4 weeks of orientation and now have my own caseload of about 20 visits a week. I thought I was getting a pretty good handle on things, but they are now reneging on our agreement of staying in my territory and I am driving about 120 miles 3 days a week. My agency also decided at the last minute to send me out alone to see a very complex patient with wound care and PICC line management. I only received one visit of orientation for this client and feel like I'm being bullied into doing these visits that are short staffed, even after stating that I am not yet comfortable with these skills. I have stayed firm in turning down these requests, but think this is a bad sign.

In sum, the combo of having to travel outside my territory, being asked to do skills I'm not yet experienced with, combined with the lowesh PPV rate is making me incredibly stressed out. I really love my patients and the community care aspect but I think I should have heeded others advice and waited until I get some other experience before doing home health.

My question is, will hiring managers look negatively at my leaving this job only 2-3 months in? I would like to put it on my resume since I have acquired some good skills, but I'm stressing out about having to explain why I quit so early on. Any suggestions for spinning this experience in a positive way without talking negatively about this agency? I'm planning to put some applications in this weekend, and not quit until I have something else lined up. Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

[Libby1987]

Wow, I just got approval for a new grad orientation program from the state of California, it's pretty rigorous too. I can see why they made me jump through so many hoops when there are agencies like yours who turn loose new grads far before they are prepared.

I'd check with your state dept of health services and see if your agency is in compliance. I wouldn't say the agencies name necessarily, unless they are not in compliance with state requirements for new grad orientation. If it turns out that they are not in compliance, there's your very valid reason.

[NurseEryn]

Sounds very much like my experience.

Luckily in nursing, if we are unhappy in any given field we have the opportunity to change it. Many hiring hospitals understand this.

I stuck with it for almost 10 months before I simply had enough of the constant territory changes and unrealistic expectations. I did stay per diem with my agency as to not burn bridges, but I applied elsewhere and am overjoyed at my decision. Good luck!

[Yosemite, RN, ASN, EMT-I]

Oceanblue52: yes, welcome to home healthcare. Your description is NOT unusual for this niche of the industry. I hate to say it, but you are between a rock and a hard spot. My humble advice would be to stick it out for a full 2 years using what little free time you have continuing a job search. Use every available search tool from Craigslist to the job section of the site, CareerBuilders, networking with friends, associates, former nursing school mates. If and when you get an interview, keep it positive about this job (lie through your teeth with a bright and cheery smile) and praise the "challenges" that were presented. Karma always turns it's wheel and know that your current supervisor, director and owner are also stressed to the max.

[oceanblue52]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I really appreciate it. I am still with the job and managing okay as my caseload has been pretty regular with fairly stable patients. Feeling frustrated though because it seems I am dealing with extremes: my days are either super routine and not really giving a good foundation, or I get asked at the last minute to do a really complicated admission or PRN visit and don't feel solid in all my skills! My supervisor has been really supportive but the mileage I am racking up on my car is absurd relative to the ppv rate I'm getting. I keep wanting to put applications in but I don't even know where to start with summarizing this job on my resume and cover letter. Appreciate the support very much and happy to hear any additional advice!