Newbie question

[Farawyn]

I have started going out in the field this week, following other nurses and trying to use the computer, etc. Originally they told me my orientation can be 6 weeks or more. The nurses I am with are telling me that I can handle this next week.

I don't feel I can, and have told them so. I'm an experienced RN, but not an experienced HH RN.

My question is, what do you think is an adequate orientation period?

Thanks!

[Tiffie1210]

I just started at a home health agency I've been a RN almost 3 years mostly on a med surg floor. I'm getting 12 weeks total orientation. I'm up to 3 points a day alone and the other half of my day with my preceptor. I'm in week 8.

[Libby1987]

4 weeks minimum no matter who you are if you're new to HH.

If they think you're ready to do visits then have them shadow you, you need someone there for all of the little common and not so common situations that come up as well as any tasks that needs to be adjusted for the home environment. Even an experienced say IV nurse is going to go WTH? when it comes to home supplies and protocols.

ETA Tell them you want to be solid to avoid a rough start and turnover.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Six weeks sounds like a wonderful orientation time.

The reality? You're lucky they're giving you a week. Most HH agencies expect new hires, especially experienced nurses, to hit the ground running.

Be organized. Very organized. I used to keep a binder with information on each of my patients, and a calendar page for each patient that covered the current cert period-including the 5 day window for recert. Supervisors get cranky if you recert at the wrong time, because unless you happened to do a scheduled visit during that 5 day window that can be converted to a recert, the patient has to be discharged and a new SOC done-all that obnoxious admit paperwork.

The calendar page is also a good place to note labs that are due, and doctors appointments (can't do a nursing visit on the same day).

Home Health isn't easy, but if you start out organized, it becomes part of your routine.

[Farawyn]

Thanks for the feedback.

It's more the computer stuff. It's all scripts, don't know if anyone is familiar with that program. It seems like it's going to be great once I figure it out!

I'm afraid to press the wrong button and ruin their Medicare, or what have you. I know it's silly. The patient is fine . But $$ is still an issue.

[Libby1987]

The patient is fine? Are you doing private duty or intermittent?

[amoLucia]

Giving you a confidence plug - good luck with your new endeavor!!!

[Farawyn]

The patient is fine? Are you doing private duty or intermittent?

Intermittent.

I meant, as long as there's no emergency.

We used to say in the clinic, "Is the baby's head crowning? NO? Then you are FINE."

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Sorry, I smell a rinky -dink HH agency. They are pushing you in order to start making revenue off of you.

Demand the 6 weeks they promised you... or move to another agency. There are HUNDREDS that want to make money off of you... that will treat you better.

[Farawyn]

Nah, not rinky dink at all, one of the biggest on LI, good rep.

I think they just need the bodies and since I'm experienced they tried to feel me out, regarding getting out there earlier.

[NurseLexx]

I would think that 6-8 weeks would be an adequate amount of time. You know how to nurse it's just a different setting and maybe different types of patients. You're really just learning the hospital and the computer system.

[technofreak]

Wow, I recently started a new HH gig. The job is prn, I have never done HH before, as all my experience is in acute care. I received three days (8-5) of field orientation and another day to complete a series of HR videos and HLCs. My director seems pretty cool and seems willing to answer any questions that may come my way. I'll keep you guys posted. Monday will be my first day on my own. The biggest thing about HH is the paperwork. There seems to be a different form for every visit.