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!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

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.

Rinky dink or not, you are being pushed out to start making the bucks for the agency.

If you were told 6 weeks. you should HAVE 6 weeks.

I did home care , briefly. It is not an easy transition, you deserve the orientation.

[Libby1987]

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.

I know where they're coming from and I know there's a positive reaction to receiving that kind of feedback and wanting to rise to the occasion but protect them from themselves and avoid becoming resentful and overwhelmed. There are too many (like a million) details in home health to assimilate, learn as many as possible before going out on your own.

[Farawyn]

So far the hardest part is the computer glitches. If I could just see the patients and do the work I would be fine.

[gibsongirl]

I would talk to your supervisor. If necessary, remind her that you were told six weeks and negotiate. I liked the orientation described here where the nurse takes some patients independently and spends part of the day with a seasoned nurse. Start independently with basic patients such as chf, simple surgery then onto more complicated patients.

Take PICC lines, IV infusions, wound vac when you're comfortable with the visit process. There is nothing worse than being sent out by yourself to do something you aren't comfortable with. Trying to get the mentoring after orientation is nearly impossible - at my place. Seasoned nurses don't remember what it was like when they were new or they may want to get back to being on their own. Do your preceptors get compensated for time? Do they have less points or are they expected to manage a full load and your orientation? You probably have no orientation documentation. Nothing to refer to skills, experiences you need before being on your own. If that's the case, write down everything you need so you can share it with your supervisor. Good luck.

[Farawyn]

I would talk to your supervisor. If necessary, remind her that you were told six weeks and negotiate. I liked the orientation described here where the nurse takes some patients independently and spends part of the day with a seasoned nurse. Start independently with basic patients such as chf, simple surgery then onto more complicated patients.

Take PICC lines, IV infusions, wound vac when you're comfortable with the visit process. There is nothing worse than being sent out by yourself to do something you aren't comfortable with. Trying to get the mentoring after orientation is nearly impossible - at my place. Seasoned nurses don't remember what it was like when they were new or they may want to get back to being on their own. Do your preceptors get compensated for time? Do they have less points or are they expected to manage a full load and your orientation? You probably have no orientation documentation. Nothing to refer to skills, experiences you need before being on your own. If that's the case, write down everything you need so you can share it with your supervisor. Good luck.

I have a preceptor who takes less patients and gets paid for her time. The patients I take come on my schedule and I do the OASIS or what have you. The problem was getting her patients to come over- so I did the work on her computer.

I have not done a wound vac in 5 years. I am supposed to get cleared on all the stuff before the supervisor comes to observe me. I have a checklist. So far, mostly wounds, but I did do a Pleurx.

Thanks all for your feedback. It's very much appreciated.

[gibsongirl]

That sounds great. I work for rinky dink. NO checklist, no assigned preceptor, send you out to do things you never did or are not comfortable with. That's rinky dink. It's a constant decision whether or not to push back. It doesn't get any better when you know your stuff: 7 points plus a 2 hour meeting and "no OT" from a supervisor with no home care experience who has been there for a month. Sweet.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

That sounds great. I work for rinky dink. NO checklist, no assigned preceptor, send you out to do things you never did or are not comfortable with. That's rinky dink. It's a constant decision whether or not to push back. It doesn't get any better when you know your stuff: 7 points plus a 2 hour meeting and "no OT" from a supervisor with no home care experience who has been there for a month. Sweet.

If you knew this going in, shame on you. If they painted a rosy picture and reneged, shame on them.

So, how many job aps have you been sending out??

[Farawyn]

Okay, I have a question. I did an OASIS SOC with my preceptor today and I am wondering why we have to put in the PT care plans.

Is it because I opened the case?

If a PT or an OT can also open a case, why does THE NURSE have to do everything?

(This preceptor is great, by the way. She took her time with me, has about 10 years experience total, 7 years HH. She says she can do a SOC soup to nuts in about an hour to 90 minutes, which at our rate of pay is not too shabby.

She was extremely thorough and good with the patients, too. I was very impressed. I think I will be with her for the next 2 weeks.:) )

[Libby1987]

We have to support the need for therapy but what do you mean specifically? Can you post an example?

I just sat down and charted a thorough SOC and ROC, on a simple straight forward knee and monthly catheter change respectively, took me less than 1 1/2 hrs. With visit and drive time, plus some processing in the office, came out to more than $50/hr. A complicated SOC would take more time of course but I would still be making decent wages, especially when you layer on 3-5 routine visits.

But it just doesn't happen immediately, gotta persevere!

[Farawyn]

I know. I have always been efficient. There is a huge learning curve, and I know I will be working for less than for quite some time until it clicks.

Respect.

[Farawyn]

I am in the SOC now. When I see what jumped out at me to ask the question I will cite an example.

Thank you!

[gibsongirl]

We click on PT for the order in the POC but that's it. Same with OT. They do their own POC. How can the RN do a POC for another licensed group of professionals?