Only working in Home Health??

caliotter3 · Dec 20, 2009

I work in home health and started out in long term care. Have not worked in acute care and probably will not in the future.

rmbt418 · Dec 21, 2009

Thank you! I just get tired of everybody telling me that I must take some time and work on a hospital or nursing home floor to get more experience. I love Home Health and happy doing it!

caliotter3 · Dec 22, 2009

I love home health too. It is good enough for me.

hollybear1414 · Dec 24, 2009

I am a new grad working in the home and just love it. I would never want to work in a hospital/office/LTC/TCU setting now. I feel so spoiled! :)

If it's what you are happy doing then don't worry about what others have to say. The whole "you need that hospital experience" argument is silly to me if you dont ever plan on working in a hospital. You can learn plenty of valueable skills and such from working in a home too.

rmbt418 · Dec 24, 2009

If it's what you are happy doing then don't worry about what others have to say. The whole "you need that hospital experience" argument is silly to me if you dont ever plan on working in a hospital. You can learn plenty of valueable skills and such from working in a home too.

Thank you!

delvenia · Dec 26, 2009

i am also a new grad that has only worked in home health. at times it is very overwhelming, but overall, i like it

paacollins · Jan 2, 2010

I'm seriously considering starting out in home health as well. I think you should do what you like doing and what you are good at doing. If that means never doing med-surge, so be it.

behindthedoor · Jan 3, 2010

My experience would say that clinical (one year hospital minimum) experience is essential for a successful VNA career.

GOOD LUCK

allnurses Guide · Jan 3, 2010

Acute care experience I've found helpful in working with patients with trachs and ventilators because students don't always get enough experience with suctioning, trach care, aspiration precautions, and mechanical ventilation-- but I've worked with lots of nurses and even unlicensed caregivers who are able to learn these things on the job.

paacollins · Jan 3, 2010

I'm applying to a home health agency that offers classes in vent and trach care. What difference does it make if you learn these skills in a hospital or home health setting? The hospital is not the be all end all of nursing care anymore.

behindthedoor · Jan 3, 2010

Certainly, the hospital is not the "be all and end all." The world of health care has many equally important facets. I do feel, however, that a solid clinical experience lets you bring more to the table. I myself never wanted to work inside a hospital or facility for my career, but I am very glad I had two years experience in the hospital and critical care.