New Grads and Home Care?

[mazzy6311]

Hi everyone. I am a brand new RN, graduated May 08 and started working on a telemetry floor. I was only there two months, most of which was spent in classes, not on the floor. Long story short, I ended up resigning because I was completely overwhelmed and could not think straight.

I am now looking for a new job, and was recently offered a position in home care. My initial feeling is that home care should not be the first place I go because there won't be anyone there to consult with if I am unsure of something.

Could anyone give me some insight about this and maybe some suggestions of where is a good place to start over. Thank you.

[caliotter3]

The home care position could work if, and probably only if, you get a very supportive supervisor. You would need to insure that you get a very good orientation and ongoing support. You should request shift work, rather than visits. Less fast-paced. Only one patient at a time with minimal paperwork, one nurse's note. Continuous care clients are typically stable and routine care. You would need to get a copy of the 485, plan of care, and the med sheet for your patient and go to an orientation at the bedside. Some of the skills: GT feedings, trach care, vent mgmt, resp treatments, med administration, basic ADLs. You can be taught to take care of any patient by someone who is on the case and/or a family member who is thorough. No reason why you can't adapt into this job. If, for some reason, you find the patient and/or family situation unsuitable, you can ask your staffing coordinator to find you another case. If you go with the home care job, good luck. Hope you find that you like it.

[mazzy6311]

Thank you so much. That is really helpful.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I'm a fairly new grad (been a nurse 5 months), and I've been doing home care for about a month. I was a little nervous, especially since there wouldn't be an extra set of hands around if something went wrong. I do private duty shifts with peds, and so far, it's worked out great. My agency understands I'm a new grad, and as a result, isn't throwing anything to difficult at me right away (ie no vented patients). It is very nice to just have one patient to focus on, gives you time to do the little extras we can never do in the hospital. I'd say give it a try, but don't be afraid to tell an agency when you are unfamilar with what to do, or need more orientation.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Private care is different than working as a home health nurse providing skilled nursing visits. I agree with an extensive orientation and support of a supervisor it can be done.

Home health has other stressors such as time management and driving, You also have to be very comfortable with your professional practice. Best of luck.