New Home care nurse with young child- feel overwhelmed

[sweetmama81]

I have been working as a home care nurse since July 2011. I worked in the hospital for 7 years and was tired of the rush and lack of time with patients. I really like home care, but I am struggling to keep up with paperwork and juggle work/home life. I have a 2 year old son and another child on the way(didn't know until after I accepted the job) and I feel like I neglect him because I spend time at home trying to catch up my paperwork. I wake up very early to finish it and spend weekends as well. I am worried that I will not make it as a home care nurse or I will burnout. I know that the first 6 months are the hardest, but how do I balance my work and home life ?Any suggestions?

[homehealth_rn]

I have an almost 2 year old who goes to daycare and I try to finish all of my charting while she's at daycare so that I don't have to bring it home with me. If I do chart at home, it's after she goes to bed. It's tough, but it will get easier! I try to do as much charting in the home as I can. Good luck!

[KateRN1]

Most of what you need to do is to be organized and effecient with your time. Ask other nurses what system they use to keep on top of everything based on how your agency functions. Complete your documentation in the patient's home, or at least in the driveway. Do not take it home and try to complete it later. Make sure that you have all the supplies you need each and every day. Go through your car stock and visit bag supplies over the weekend and make sure that you have enough to get you through the week. Make sure that you have extra copies of all forms in case you run out or are missing one. Plan time in your day to return phone calls. If you are case managing, keep a copy of your patient roster and a binder with patient information so that you have everything at your fingertips. Plan your route to do the least driving possible, call your patients the night before and when you're on the way in case something has changed. PM me if you would like more suggestions based on your specific situation.